Rudolph’s Red Nose Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays come around, I just can’t resist mixing up something playful that brings a little extra cheer to the table. A holiday cocktail that never fails to get a grin is inspired by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Rudolph’s Red Nose Cocktail is a simple, festive drink that adds bright color and flavor to any holiday celebration. I love how this one feels both fun and surprisingly refreshing.

The mix of flavors goes down easy, and honestly, that bold red color just screams “holiday.” It’s the kind of drink that gets people smiling before they’ve even tasted it.

This recipe’s quick to throw together, which is a lifesaver when things get busy. You can serve it up at a big holiday party, or just enjoy it on a quiet night at home.

Rudolph’s Red Nose Cocktail Recipe

I like this drink because it uses simple ingredients and still brings out that cheerful, bright red that fits the season. The flavor’s a nice balance of sweet and tart, and you really don’t need much to make it work at home.

Equipment

I try to keep things simple, so I don’t fuss with a ton of tools. The main thing is a cocktail shaker—it chills everything and blends the juices just right.

A strainer helps keep the ice out of your glass, which is key.

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Bar spoon for stirring if you want
• Rocks glass or stemless wine glass
• Ice cubes

I prefer a shaker that actually seals tight—no one wants leaks. A jigger’s handy for measuring small amounts, so I don’t end up guessing.

Using the right glass makes it look festive and keeps the portion under control.

Ingredients

Fresh juice is always my go-to if I’ve got it, since it makes the drink pop. Cranberry juice gives that red color, and orange juice softens the tartness.

A little maraschino adds sweetness and ties it all together.

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1.5 oz vodka
• 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Orange slice or twist for garnish

Sometimes I’ll bump up the cranberry juice if I want it extra tart. Maraschino liqueur is sweet stuff, so I measure carefully—too much and it takes over.

Instructions

This cocktail comes together in just a few minutes, and the steps are about as easy as it gets. Shaking with ice chills it and blends everything nicely.

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Add vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice, and maraschino liqueur.
• Put the lid on and shake firmly for about 15 seconds.
• Drop a few fresh ice cubes in your glass.
• Strain the drink into the glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.

I try to shake it long enough to get it really cold, but not so long the ice waters it down. Garnishes make it look extra inviting—don’t skip ‘em if you’ve got them.

Notes

This recipe’s pretty flexible, honestly. Sometimes I’ll add more orange juice if I want it lighter, or cut back on the juice and keep the vodka strong if I’m feeling bold.

For a non-alcoholic spin, I just swap the vodka for sparkling water and keep everything else the same. Still looks festive, and it’s super refreshing.

Serving the cocktail right after shaking keeps it nice and cold. If I remember, I chill the glass ahead of time—it’s a small thing, but it really helps the drink stay frosty.

Tasting Notes

Honestly, the drink just looks so bright and inviting, thanks to that deep red color. It kind of reminds me of fresh cranberries—pretty festive, if you ask me.

First sip? Tartness jumps out right away. That cranberry juice really delivers a sharp, clean taste that wakes up your palate.

After that initial zing, there’s this gentle sweetness that follows. It’s enough to balance things out, but not so much that it feels heavy or overly sugary.

A little citrus sneaks in, adding a zesty note that keeps everything feeling crisp. Especially when it’s cold, that freshness really stands out.

There’s a mild warmth from the alcohol too, but it doesn’t take over. It just sort of blends in with the fruit flavors, which I actually prefer.

The finish? Smooth, a bit tangy, and it hangs around for just the right amount of time before fading away.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Tart cranberry
• Sweet balance
• Citrus brightness
• Gentle warmth

Texture-wise, it stays light and super easy to sip. Never feels thick, so honestly, it’s tempting to go back for another glass.