Holiday Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays roll around, I can’t help but want to mix up something festive and refreshing. A Spiced Cranberry Paloma throws a bright twist on a classic cocktail, blending tart cranberry, zesty grapefruit, and those cozy holiday spices.

This drink is honestly one of the easiest ways to pull off a holiday cocktail that feels seasonal but doesn’t require a lot of fuss.

I really enjoy how the sweet, sour, and spice combo fits right in at any gathering. It’s colorful enough to stand out on the table but doesn’t take much effort to whip up.

You’ll find this recipe easy to follow, and the results come out balanced and crisp every time.

With just a few bar tools, some fresh ingredients, and a dash of mixology curiosity, you can make a drink that looks impressive—and honestly, tastes even better.

Let’s walk through the recipe step by step and talk tasting notes so you can nail the flavor.

Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail Recipe

I usually make this drink when I want something bright, crisp, and just a bit festive. It mixes tequila, grapefruit, and cranberry with warm spices for a balanced flavor that feels just right for the holidays.

You don’t need anything fancy—basic bar tools and a few fresh ingredients will do the trick.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker with a tight lid
• Jigger or a small measuring cup
• Citrus juicer for fresh lime and grapefruit juice
• Fine mesh strainer to catch pulp or spice bits
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Small saucepan for making spiced syrup
• Glassware: highball or Collins glass
• Ice cubes or crushed ice
• Small plate for rimming salt or sugar
• Tongs for handling garnishes

I use the shaker to blend and chill everything evenly. The strainer keeps the texture nice and smooth.

A saucepan is perfect for infusing the syrup with cinnamon and cloves. Fresh tools make the flavors pop.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila blanco or silver tequila
• 2 oz grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz cranberry juice or pomegranate juice
• ½ oz lime juice (fresh)
• ¾ oz spiced simple syrup (with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla bean)
• 1–2 oz soda water or sparkling water
• Ice for shaking and serving
• Sugared cranberries, dried grapefruit slice, or lime wedge for garnish
• Optional: star anise or cinnamon stick for aroma

The spiced syrup is where all that holiday flavor comes from. I just simmer equal parts sugar and water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a chunk of vanilla bean.

Fresh juices really make a difference in taste and color.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, lime juice, and spiced syrup.
• Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds until everything’s nice and cold.
• Strain into a highball glass packed with ice.
• Top with soda water or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Add a garnish—sugared cranberries, dried grapefruit, or a lime wedge.
• For a mocktail version, just skip the tequila and add more sparkling water or pomegranate juice.

I always serve it cold and a little fizzy. The mix of spice and fruit keeps it refreshing but still cozy.

Notes

I stash the spiced syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s also great in coffee or drizzled over pancakes.

If you want it sweeter, add a little more syrup. For a tangier kick, toss in extra lime juice.

Fresh juices keep the color bright and the flavor crisp. Sometimes I’ll drop a cinnamon stick or star anise in the glass for a subtle aroma.

Chill the glass before serving if you want the cocktail to stay cold longer.

Tasting Notes

The spiced cranberry Paloma jumps out with a bright ruby color that really catches the light. Right away, I get a whiff of tart cranberry mixed with warm spice, and there’s this little hint of citrus—probably from the grapefruit.

Taking a sip, I taste crisp cranberry up front, followed by a gentle sweetness. The spice blend brings in a soft warmth, balancing out the tangy fruit.

There’s a touch of bitterness from the grapefruit, and honestly, it keeps things refreshing. The texture’s smooth, and there’s just enough fizz from the soda to make it lively.

It doesn’t feel heavy at all, so I can sip it slowly without getting tired of it. The finish leaves a mild spice on my tongue and a clean, lingering citrus note.

I love how the drink mixes sweet, tart, and spiced flavors—none of them take over. It feels festive, but honestly, I’d drink this any day.