If you’re after a drink that’s sweet, creamy, and just a little bit tart, you might want to check out my Rumchata Cranberry Fizz cocktail recipe. It’s super easy to make and gives you this mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and cranberry flavors that just works.
You can throw this refreshing drink together at home with just a handful of ingredients.
I end up making this cocktail a lot at holiday parties, or honestly, whenever I’m craving something simple but not the usual. The fizz from club soda gives it a light, bubbly feel that plays really well with Rumchata’s smoothness.
I’ll walk you through how I put it together, step by step. No need to be a pro bartender for this one—just a little curiosity and you’re good.
Rumchata Cranberry Fizz Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- I use a cocktail shaker to mix everything up,
- A jigger to get the measurements right—though sometimes I eyeball it if I’m feeling bold.
- A fine mesh strainer comes in handy to catch any little bits of ice or fruit.
- And a tall glass, like a highball or Collins, is perfect for letting the fizz develop up top.
- I keep a long spoon nearby too, in case I want to stir instead of shake.
- For garnishes, a small paring knife is nice for cutting lime wedges or orange slices.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick table for a single serving:
- Rumchata 2 oz
- Cranberry juice 2 oz
- Lemon-lime soda/club soda 2 oz
- Fresh lime juice 0.5 oz
- Simple syrup optional 0.5 oz
- Ice As needed
- Garnish optional As needed
Instructions
- I usually start by chilling my glass with some ice and water, then dumping that out before building the drink.
- In the shaker, I add Rumchata, cranberry juice, lime juice, and a bit of simple syrup if I’m feeling it.
- Fill the shaker with ice, close it up, and shake for about 15 seconds.
- After shaking, I strain the mix into my chilled glass over fresh ice.
- Pour the soda on top and give it a gentle stir.
- Adding the soda last keeps that fizz alive and makes the drink nice and bubbly.
- For garnish, I’ll toss in fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, or a sprig of mint—depends on my mood.
- Best to serve this right away so the fizz is still crisp and the flavors are fresh.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip of the Rumchata Cranberry Fizz? There’s this gentle creaminess right up front. The Rumchata brings a sweet, cinnamon flavor that honestly reminds me a bit of rice pudding.
The cranberry juice is tart and fruity. It cuts through the creamy sweetness from the Rumchata, so you never feel like it’s too rich or heavy.
The fizz comes from the club soda. It adds bubbles and keeps the drink light on the tongue. I find the whole mix refreshing and super smooth.
I like that this drink isn’t too heavy. The creamy and tart flavors make it easy to sip, and the cinnamon aftertaste is gentle—it hangs around just long enough.
This cocktail doesn’t have a strong alcohol kick. What I really notice are the cream, the tart cranberry, and that light sparkle from the soda. It’s balanced, easy, and honestly just fun to drink.
Substitute
If I don’t have RumChata, I’ll grab another cream liqueur like Bailey’s Irish Cream. Sometimes I go for a vanilla-flavored liqueur instead.
Both bring that creamy texture and sweetness, though honestly, nothing is quite the same as RumChata.
For cranberry juice, I’m not above swapping in pomegranate juice. Cherry juice works too, if that’s what I’ve got in the fridge.
They’ve all got that tartness, but each has its own twist—sometimes better, sometimes just… different.
If I want to skip the booze, I’ll mix up some cream or half-and-half with a splash of cinnamon syrup. That’s my stand-in for RumChata.
Then I just use cranberry juice as usual. Simple enough.
I always taste my cocktail as I go when using substitutes. No one wants a drink that’s way too sweet—or so tart it makes you wince.
Sometimes, if I’m feeling it, I’ll toss a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Especially if I went with plain cream or something less exciting.
