Gin and Cranberry Noel Cocktail Recipe

When I’m in the mood for a holiday drink that’s festive but not too heavy, I end up mixing a simple gin and cranberry cocktail. This Gin and Cranberry Noel Cocktail brings together tart cranberry and crisp gin for a refreshing holiday sip.

It’s easy—honestly, way easier than people expect—and it stands out from the usual vodka cranberry or even a cranberry Moscow mule. I just think gin gives it a little extra something.

Cranberry and citrus are a combo I always come back to, so sometimes I’ll splash in a bit of orange juice or orange liqueur. If I want bubbles, prosecco is my go-to.

For a lighter option, I just make a mocktail version with sparkling water. The flavor kind of reminds me of cranberry mojitos, but it’s got this cleaner, brighter taste.

If you’ve got leftover cranberry sauce from a holiday meal, you can even use that in the drink. With just a few steps, you end up with something that feels special and seasonal—no fuss.

Gin and Cranberry Noel Cocktail Recipe

I like making this one during the holidays because the tart cranberry and smooth gin come together for a crisp, refreshing flavor. The mix of citrus, sweetness, and a little fizz makes it feel festive, but it’s still simple enough to whip up at home.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I always grab a shaker with a tight lid so nothing leaks out.
• Jigger or measuring tool – Otherwise, I end up making it too strong (which, you know, isn’t always a bad thing).
• Strainer – Keeps the ice and pulp out of the glass.
• Bar spoon – The long spoon is handy for stirring in tonic or soda without killing the bubbles.
• Glassware – I lean towards a stemless wine glass or a short tumbler, but honestly, a highball works too.
• Small plate – For the sugar rim, if I’m feeling fancy.
• Citrus juicer – Just a handheld one makes life easier when squeezing lime or lemon.

Having these tools ready does make the process smoother, and the cocktail comes out more consistent every time.

Ingredients

• 2 oz dry gin
• 2 oz cranberry juice (I usually go for 100% cranberry juice for that sharp kick, but cranberry juice cocktail is fine too)
• 0.5 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed, always)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or honey syrup
• 2 dashes orange bitters (optional, but I like the depth)
• Tonic water or club soda to top
• Fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries for garnish
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Sugar for the rim, if you want

Sometimes I swap in cranberry simple syrup instead of plain syrup for more flavor. If I’m feeling festive, a sugared cranberry garnish looks great.

Instructions

• Chill your serving glass in the freezer for a couple minutes.
• Run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar if you want that sugar rim.
• Add gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
• Strain into your chilled glass with fresh ice.
• Top with tonic water, club soda, or soda water—whatever you’re into—for fizz.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon to keep the bubbles alive.
• Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.

If the cranberry juice is super tart, I’ll add a little more syrup. It’s all about balance.

Notes

I almost always use dry gin because it balances out the cranberry without getting heavy. If I want it lighter, I just add extra soda water.

For a more holiday vibe, I sometimes use sugared cranberries on a cocktail pick. Frozen cranberries are great too—they chill the drink without watering it down.

This recipe is for one drink, but you can easily make a bigger batch. I usually mix everything but the soda in advance, then top each glass with tonic water right before serving.

Pure cranberry juice gives a sharper taste, while cranberry juice cocktail is definitely sweeter. I just pick based on who I’m making it for.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the bright tartness of cranberry jumps out at me. It kicks things off with a clean, crisp start—refreshing, but thankfully not too sharp.

The gin brings in some herbal notes that really balance out the fruit. I catch those hints of juniper and citrus, which somehow keep the cocktail feeling layered and not overly sweet.

Honestly, I love how the cranberry and gin play together. The tartness from the fruit takes the edge off the gin, but the gin also stops the cranberry from feeling one-note or flat.

At holiday parties, this drink just feels easy to enjoy. It’s light, sure, but still manages to be festive.

The color adds a little something to the mood, and these flavors just seem to go with whatever snacks are around.

The finish is smooth, with this subtle touch of dryness. I get a gentle lingering of both berry and botanicals, which—honestly—just makes me want another sip.