Orange Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always loved mixing cocktails that feel bright, unfussy, and just plain refreshing. The orange cranberry gin fizz really nails it for me. There’s this balance between tart cranberry and sweet citrus that just works—crisp, but not heavy.

Honestly, it’s an easy way to whip up a gin-based drink that looks and tastes like you tried harder than you did. That’s a win in my book.

The fizz from the soda water lifts everything and makes it feel light, almost playful. Cranberry brings a bold, fruity edge, and the orange smooths it out with some mellow sweetness.

It’s the kind of cocktail I’ll make for a quiet night in, but it’s also perfect when friends drop by. No need to overthink it.

When I’m making this, I keep the steps simple so I can actually enjoy the process. Just fresh flavors, a couple of basic tools, and a quick shake to pull it all together.

Orange Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe

Blending the tartness of cranberries with that punchy citrus from orange just hits the spot. Gin gives you a clean base, and ginger ale on top adds this light fizz that makes it super easy to drink.

Equipment

I don’t get fancy with tools—just what I need to bring out the flavors. The shaker is key for chilling and mixing everything evenly. I’ll use a strainer too, just to keep things smooth when pouring.

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Citrus juicer
• Small saucepan (for cranberry syrup, if making fresh)
• Bar spoon
• Highball or rocks glass
• Ice cubes

Honestly, the right glass does make a difference. If I’m feeling like more ginger ale, I’ll grab a tall glass. If I want the flavors stronger, I stick with a short one.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients really do make this drink pop. Fresh cranberries in the syrup give you that nice tartness, and squeezing your own orange juice just brightens everything up.

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry syrup (or cranberry juice if you want it lighter)
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice (optional, if you’re into extra tartness)
• Ginger ale, to top
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Orange zest or slice (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Sometimes I’ll play with the sweetness—more syrup if I’m feeling it, or extra citrus to keep things balanced. The zest gives a great aroma without making things too heavy.

Instructions

First thing, I chill the glass with some ice so the drink stays cold longer. Then I toss all the main ingredients into the shaker, saving the fizzy stuff for last.

• Fill shaker with ice.
• Add gin, cranberry syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice.
• Shake for about 15 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
• Top with ginger ale.
• Garnish with cranberries and a twist of orange zest.

Always pour the ginger ale last—otherwise, you’ll lose those bubbles. I’ll give it a gentle stir at the end, just enough to blend but not flatten the fizz.

Notes

Sometimes I make my own cranberry syrup. I’ll simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst, then just strain it. The flavor goes deeper than bottled juice, and it’s honestly worth the extra step if you’ve got time.

If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I use more ginger ale and cut back on the syrup. Want more citrus? Add a splash more orange juice or a bit more zest.

Oh, and freezing a few cranberries to use as ice cubes? It keeps the drink cold without watering it down, plus it looks really cool in the glass.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s crisp and light—definitely a refreshing cocktail. The bubbles kind of lift everything up, so nothing feels heavy or syrupy.

There’s a soft sweetness from the orange juice that really balances out the tart bite you get from the cranberry. I love how those two fruits play off each other, bringing both brightness and a bit of tang.

As for the gin, it’s subtle, adding just a gentle herbal note in the background. It never takes over, but it does give the drink some extra depth.

Sometimes I catch those hints of juniper, and honestly, they pair so well with the citrus.

I’m also a fan of the texture here. The fizz makes it feel smooth and lively, and if your glass is nice and chilled, it stays sharp and clean.

After I finish a glass, there’s this lingering light citrus aftertaste. It’s easy to drink, honestly—kind of perfect for casual sipping or even a small get-together.