Spiced Cranberry Cooler Mocktail Recipe

When I’m craving something fun and flavorful but want to skip the alcohol, I always end up making a mocktail.

This Spiced Cranberry Cooler Mocktail recipe is honestly one of my go-tos—tasty, alcohol-free, easy to whip up, and honestly just perfect for sharing with friends or family.

It’s got that sweet cranberry vibe, a little warmth from the spices, and all those fizzy bubbles. It’s refreshing, and honestly, it just looks gorgeous in a glass.

I like pulling this out for gatherings, but sometimes I just want something a little special at home.

The flavors work year-round, which I appreciate, and you don’t need any fancy bartending skills to make it happen.

Spiced Cranberry Cooler Mocktail Recipe

Making drinks at home is kind of my thing, and this Spiced Cranberry Cooler is way up there on my favorites list. It’s a mix of cranberry juice, orange juice, and a touch of spice—tangy, lightly spiced, and just really satisfying.

Sparkling water and ginger ale give it some bubbles, so it feels festive even if you’re just hanging out on a quiet afternoon.

Equipment

• Pitcher – I use this to mix everything together.
• Mixing Spoon – Makes it easy to blend the juices and spices.
• Measuring Cups – I like to be sure I’m not just guessing with the juice.
• Glasses – Tumblers or highballs, whatever you’ve got.
• Citrus Juicer – Fresh orange juice is honestly worth the extra step.
• Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing citrus, ginger, and whatever you’re using to garnish.
• Small Saucepan – Handy for warming up the spices before they go in the drink.
• Fine Mesh Strainer – If you don’t want bits of spice or pulp floating around.
• Ice Cube Tray – Because cold drinks just taste better.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, up to you)
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is always better)
• 1 cup ginger ale (for fizz and a little kick)
• 1 cup sparkling water or soda water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (peeled and sliced thin)
• 1 tablespoon whole cranberries (fresh or frozen, just for garnish)
• Orange slices (garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves (they add a nice herbal note)
• Ice cubes (for serving)
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey (totally optional, if you want it sweeter)

Instructions

• Toss the sliced ginger and cinnamon (stick or ground) into a small saucepan with 1/2 cup of water.
• Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to make a spiced infusion, then set it aside to cool.
• In a pitcher, mix up the cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger ale, and sparkling water.
• Add your cooled spice infusion to the pitcher.
• If you want it a little sweeter, stir in some sugar or honey.
• Give it a good mix so everything comes together.
• Fill your glasses with ice.
• Pour the mocktail over the ice.
• Top each glass with cranberries, orange slices, maybe a cinnamon stick, and a couple of basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy.
• Serve it chilled and drink up right away.

Notes

I usually go with unsweetened cranberry juice because the orange juice and ginger ale already bring some sweetness. If I’m in the mood for more of a spicy punch, I’ll throw in extra ginger.

No basil? Mint leaves work just as well and honestly taste great.

Chilling the pitcher ahead of time keeps it nice and crisp. I try to add the ginger ale and sparkling water at the last minute so the bubbles don’t disappear—nobody likes a flat drink.

Sometimes I freeze cranberries inside the ice cubes because, why not? They look cool and add a little color.

If it comes out too tart for your taste, just add a splash of honey or a bit more orange juice. It’s super easy to tweak until it’s right for you.

Tasting Notes

The first thing that jumps out with the Spiced Cranberry Cooler Mocktail is its bold, bright red color. Honestly, it just looks so inviting in the glass—almost too pretty to drink.

Taking a sip, the cranberry flavor comes through immediately. It’s fresh, tangy, and not cloyingly sweet, which I really appreciate.

There’s also a gentle hint of cinnamon and clove in there. Those warm spices blend with the tart cranberry in a way that feels kind of festive, almost like something I’d want at a holiday get-together.

As the drink settles, I notice a soft fizz from the sparkling water. That little bit of bubbly gives it a refreshing kick and just makes the whole thing feel a bit more special.

The bubbles actually help mellow out the tartness, which is a nice touch.

This mocktail leaves my mouth feeling clean and cool.

The blend of fruit and spice is kind of nostalgic—reminds me of summer picnics but also those cozy fall afternoons.

The aroma is great, too. There’s a burst of fruity scent with just a hint of spice in the background.

Honestly, it makes me want to go back for another sip.

---