A Cranberry Vodka Crush brings the sweet-tart taste of fresh cranberries together with smooth vodka for a perfect party drink.
This simple recipe needs just 4 ingredients: vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and club soda.
The bright red color makes it eye-catching for holiday gatherings or summer parties.
The fizzy bubbles from club soda give it a light, refreshing quality that keeps guests coming back for more.
The drink takes less than 2 minutes to mix up in a tall glass.
People can adjust the amounts of cranberry juice and club soda to make it stronger or lighter based on their preferences.
Cranberry Vodka Crush Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Citrus squeezer
Ingredients
- 2 oz premium vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Cranberry Vodka Crush has a bright, sweet-tart taste with fresh cranberry flavors at the forefront. The vodka adds a clean, crisp element without overpowering the fruit.
A gentle fizz from the club soda creates a light, refreshing mouthfeel. The bubbles help carry the aroma of fresh cranberries and citrus to the nose.
The drink starts sweet and ends with a balanced tartness. Fresh lime juice adds a zesty punch that complements the cranberry perfectly.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet-tart cranberry
- Fresh citrus
- Clean vodka base
- Light effervescence
The cocktail’s beautiful ruby-red color matches its bright flavor profile. Its moderate alcohol strength makes it easy to enjoy without being too strong.
A subtle sweetness from simple syrup rounds out any sharp edges from the cranberry juice. The drink remains crisp and clean rather than syrupy or heavy.
This cocktail works well in any season but feels most at home during fall and winter months. The fresh garnishes of lime and cranberries add both visual appeal and aromatic elements.
Substitutes
You can swap cranberry juice with pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice for a similar taste. These options keep the drink’s red color and tart flavor.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with lemon-lime soda or white grape juice. Mix with cranberry juice and a splash of lime for the same refreshing taste.
Looking to cut calories? Try diet cranberry juice or a sugar-free cranberry drink mix. These work well with vodka and keep the cocktail’s signature flavor.
Juice alternatives:
- Pomegranate juice
- Tart cherry juice
- White grape juice
- Diet cranberry juice
- Sugar-free cranberry drink mix
Fresh lime juice gives the cocktail its zip, but bottled lime juice works too. Each 1/2 ounce of fresh lime equals 1 tablespoon of bottled juice.
Want more bubbles? Add club soda or sparkling water instead of regular water. This creates extra fizz without changing the taste too much.
