Gin and Cranberry Fizz Cocktail Recipe

Whenever I’m in the mood for something easy and genuinely refreshing, I end up making a cranberry gin fizz. There’s just something about the combo of tart cranberry juice, crisp gin, and fizzy soda that feels so right—especially when you want a light drink that won’t weigh you down. It’s simple, colorful, and honestly, it always seems to impress friends with almost zero fuss.

You don’t need any fancy bar skills for this one. Just a few ingredients and you’re set. Whether it’s a hot summer day, a holiday, or just a random Tuesday, the cranberry gin fizz fits right in.

Gin and Cranberry Fizz Cocktail Recipe

Making a Gin and Cranberry Fizz at home is honestly a breeze. If you’ve got decent ingredients and the right tools, you’re halfway there.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or shot glass
• Highball or rocks glass
• Strainer
• Mixing spoon
• Ice cubes

I always grab my cocktail shaker first—it just helps everything blend together. My jigger is a lifesaver for measuring out the gin and juices so I don’t overdo it. Usually, I reach for a highball glass, but if I can’t find one, a rocks glass is fine too.

The strainer is key for a smooth pour, leaving behind any random bits. Sometimes I’ll stir with a mixing spoon instead of shaking, just depends on my mood. And, of course, plenty of ice to keep things chilly.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (I really like Bombay Sapphire for its crisp flavor)
• 2 oz cranberry juice or cranberry syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz ginger ale or club soda (or soda water, if you want less sweetness)
• Fresh cranberries and a slice of orange or lemon for garnish
• Ice cubes

I don’t skimp on the ice—no one likes a warm cocktail. Bombay Sapphire gives it a nice herbal kick, but honestly, any good gin works. Cranberry juice brings that sweet-tart thing, and lemon juice just brightens everything up.

Simple syrup is there if you want it sweeter, but you can skip or adjust to your taste. Ginger ale adds bubbles and a hint of spice, but if I’m not in the mood for sweetness, I’ll go with club soda. I usually toss in a few cranberries and a citrus slice for garnish, mostly because it looks good.

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
• Add gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup
• Shake hard for 10-15 seconds
• Strain the mixture into a glass with fresh ice
• Top with ginger ale, club soda, or soda water
• Give the drink a gentle stir
• Garnish with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange or lemon

I shake the base really well so it’s icy cold and mixed. Then I pour it over new ice in the glass—keeps it colder, longer. Topping with ginger ale gives it that fizz and a little zing from the ginger.

I always stir gently at the end; nobody wants flat bubbles. And honestly, the cranberries and citrus make it look like you tried harder than you did.

Notes

You can use cranberry juice or syrup—just depends if you want it sweeter. If I’m in the mood for more tartness, I stick to juice and maybe skip extra syrup.

Bombay Sapphire is my go-to gin, but as long as it’s clear and crisp, you’re good. Sometimes I tweak the sweetness by playing with the amount of ginger ale versus club soda.

Fresh lemon juice really does make a difference. If I spot seasonal cranberries at the store, I’ll grab them, especially around the holidays.

If you’re making drinks for a group, just multiply everything. No need to overcomplicate it—sometimes simple is best.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the Gin and Cranberry Fizz, the tartness from the cranberry juice jumps out at me. The gin brings this gentle, herbal kick that just sort of settles in and balances the fruitiness.

The club soda bubbles give the whole thing a fizzy, almost playful vibe. I have to say, it’s incredibly refreshing—especially poured over ice.

If I squeeze in some fresh lime juice, it really brightens everything up. The cocktail somehow tastes even lighter, almost zippy.

I usually end up serving this at gatherings or parties, mostly because it looks so pretty. That light pink color, plus the sparkling finish, just makes it pop on the table.

Here’s a quick rundown of what I’m tasting:

• Tart cranberry
• Crisp gin botanicals
• Hints of citrus
• Mild sweetness
• Effervescent bubbles

It’s definitely not too strong or sugary. I find it smooth enough to sip, but there’s still plenty of flavor to make it feel a bit special.

Honestly, I think it’s best enjoyed chilled.