Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? This Cranberry Orange Zing Mocktail brings bright flavors together for a perfect party beverage or everyday treat.
The simple combination of tart cranberry juice, fresh orange, and a hint of ginger creates a balanced mocktail that both adults and children can enjoy.
The vibrant red color makes this drink visually appealing, while the citrus notes add a refreshing quality that works year-round.
This mocktail takes just minutes to prepare with ingredients most people already have in their kitchen.
The recipe can be easily scaled up for gatherings or made by the glass for a quick refreshment. Adding fresh garnishes like orange slices or cranberries gives this drink a professional touch without extra effort.
Cranberry Orange Zing Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or large mason jar with lid
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
- Highball glasses
- Ice cube tray
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60ml cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
- 1 oz 30ml fresh-squeezed orange juice
- ½ oz 15ml fresh lime juice
- ½ oz 15ml simple syrup or honey
- 2 oz 60ml sparkling water
- 3-4 fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange slice or peel for garnish
- Ice cubes
This recipe serves one person. For a party, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice.
- Serve immediately.
The key to this mocktail is finding the right balance between tart and sweet. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste preferences.
Notes
Notes
This mocktail can be prepared in advance (except for adding sparkling water) and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain the fizz.
For a stronger orange flavor, add a dash of orange bitters or a small amount of orange zest. The recipe works well with fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish.
A cinnamon stick makes a nice alternative garnish during holiday seasons. For a sweeter version, use cranberry cocktail instead of 100% juice, but reduce the simple syrup accordingly.
Children typically enjoy this mocktail, making it perfect for family gatherings. The vibrant red color makes it especially appealing for holiday parties and celebrations.
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Tasting Notes
The Cranberry Orange Zing Mocktail offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy sweetness of orange.
Upon first sip, you’ll notice the tangy cranberry flavor that creates a pleasantly tart base. This is quickly followed by the sunny notes of fresh orange juice that balance the sharpness of the cranberries.
The honey adds a smooth sweetness that rounds out the drink without making it too sugary. A hint of lime provides an extra burst of citrus that brightens the entire beverage.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary: Tart cranberry, sweet orange
- Secondary: Honey smoothness, lime brightness
- Finish: Clean, refreshing with a slight tang
The carbonation from the sparkling water creates a lively mouthfeel that makes each sip exciting. The bubbles help carry the aromas to your nose, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
This mocktail has a beautiful color gradient from deep red at the bottom to lighter pink at the top. The visual appeal complements the complex flavor combinations.
The drink is best served very cold, as warmer temperatures can dull the refreshing qualities and make the sweetness seem more pronounced.
Substitutes
Can’t find cranberry juice? No orange on hand? Here are some easy swaps for this mocktail.
Juice Alternatives:
- Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice
- Swap orange juice with tangerine, blood orange, or grapefruit juice
- Use apple juice with a splash of lemon for a different flavor profile
Sweetener Options:
- Honey works well instead of simple syrup
- Maple syrup adds a warm flavor note
- Agave nectar is slightly less sweet but blends easily
Fresh berries can be muddled at the bottom of the glass to replace cranberry juice in a pinch.
For extra sweetness, replace sparkling water with ginger ale. For a more bitter edge, use tonic water. Diet or zero-sugar versions work too.
Non-carbonated versions taste great too. Simply mix the juices, sweetener, and ice for a still version of this drink.
