Cranberry Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe

When I’m in the mood for something refreshing but still want a little twist, I’ll usually go for a Cranberry Vodka Collins. It’s crisp and light, honestly super easy to throw together when you don’t feel like fussing.

This drink mixes vodka, cranberry juice, lemon, and soda water into a cocktail that’s tart but still smooth.

The cranberry gives it this pop of flavor that just makes the classic Collins feel a bit more interesting. It’s simple enough for a random Thursday night, but honestly, it also looks pretty great if you’re serving friends.

There’s a nice balance of sweet and tangy, so it works any time of year, in my opinion.

If you’re into cocktails that are easy to mix and don’t need any fancy tricks, this one’s a good pick. You really just need a handful of ingredients and basic tools, and the end result is clean and refreshing.

Cranberry Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this drink is how the tart cranberry juice plays with the fresh lemon and smooth vodka. Adding sparkling water or club soda gives it that fizz I always want in a Collins.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to get the vodka, juices, and syrup all mixed up.
• Strainer – This makes it easy to pour the drink into the glass without dumping in all the shaker ice.
• Collins glass – Tall and narrow, it keeps the bubbles going longer.
• Bar spoon – I just use this to stir gently after adding soda.
• Jigger – It helps me measure the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup so I don’t mess up the balance.
• Ice cubes – I try to keep plenty on hand so the drink stays cold but not watered down.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (or more if you want it sweeter)
• 2–3 oz club soda or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: cranberries and a rosemary sprig

The cranberry juice gives it a tart base, and the lemon juice brightens everything up. Simple syrup keeps it from going overboard on the sour side, and the soda just lightens the whole thing.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
• Add the vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake for about 10–15 seconds, just until it’s cold.
• Strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice.
• Top with club soda or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig if you have them.

I try not to shake it like crazy—otherwise it gets too diluted and loses that nice smoothness.

Notes

Fresh lemon juice tastes way better than bottled, at least to me. If I’m feeling like a sweeter drink, I’ll add a touch more simple syrup.

If I want it drier, I just cut back on the syrup and maybe splash in a bit more soda. Chilled soda is best if you want to keep the bubbles going strong.

Sometimes I’ll use sparkling water instead of club soda, especially if I want it to feel a little lighter. And if I’m out of cranberries for garnish, a lemon wheel looks good too.

Honestly, this cocktail just looks best in a tall Collins glass with clear ice. The rosemary sprig adds a nice aroma, but if I’m feeling lazy, I skip it.

Tasting Notes

Okay, so the very first sip? It’s crisp—almost surprisingly refreshing, honestly.

That tart cranberry jumps out at you, giving things a sharp, pleasant edge that wakes up your taste buds.

The vodka just kind of slides in there, blending smoothly. It’s got a clean base, but doesn’t try to steal the show from the fruit.

It all feels nicely balanced, never heavy or cloying.

There’s a light sweetness that takes the edge off the cranberry’s bite. Makes it easy to keep sipping without worrying about a sugar overload.

Lemon juice is doing its thing here too, adding this bright little citrus kick.

It really perks up the flavor, keeping the drink lively instead of, well, flat or boring.

And the bubbles from the club soda? They give the cocktail a really lively finish.

Honestly, the fizz makes every sip feel lighter, and somehow even more refreshing.

If you’re drinking it cold with ice, the flavors just pop. Everything feels sharper, more defined.

The chilled glass seems to make the tartness stand out—in a good way, I think.

Flavor Highlights:

• Tart cranberry upfront
• Smooth vodka base
• Bright citrus notes
• Light sweetness
• Refreshing bubbles