Honestly, I get a kick out of mixing up cocktails that feel right for the season but don’t ask for too much effort. This spiced Pimms and cranberry cocktail really nails that vibe—there’s a cozy warmth from the spices, a tart pop from the cranberry, and it’s all super doable at home.
You won’t need a bunch of fancy stuff or anything wild from the liquor store. It just feels festive and easy, which is kind of perfect, isn’t it?
The first time I tried this combo, I was surprised by how the cranberry’s sharpness played off the smooth Pimms. There’s something about those spices—it’s cozy, kind of like a hug in a glass.
It works for a group hang or just a quiet night on the couch. You get that “special” feeling without any fuss.
Let’s talk about how to make it, what you’ll need, and what you’re in for flavor-wise once it’s in your glass.
Spiced Pimms And Cranberry Cocktail Recipe
What I like here is how the cranberry juice brings a fruity bite, and the cinnamon adds this gentle, warming spice. When you mix in Pimm’s No.1, ginger ale, and a little citrus, it’s refreshing but still has that “holiday” comfort.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker – makes it easy to blend everything together.
- Mixing spoon – lets you stir without smashing up the mint.
- Measuring jigger – helps keep the ratios right, which honestly matters.
- Cutting board and knife – for getting those citrus slices just so.
- Tall glass or highball glass – you want plenty of room for ice and garnishes.
- Strainer – keeps the chunky stuff out when you pour.
- Small saucepan – only if you’re making simple syrup yourself.
- Ice cube tray – because nobody likes warm cocktails.
I know, it’s a bit of a list, but if you skip any of these, the drink can end up uneven or just not as nice-looking.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pimm’s No.1
- 1 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz ginger ale
- ½ oz lemon juice (fresh is best, really)
- ½ oz simple syrup (or more, if you’re into sweet drinks)
- 2–3 orange slices
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes to fill the glass
- Extra lemon wedges for garnish
If you can swing it, use fresh juice—it’s just brighter. The cinnamon stick isn’t overpowering; it’s more of a background note that works with the cranberry.
Instructions
- Fill your shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add Pimm’s No.1, vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it gently for about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain everything into a tall glass packed with fresh ice.
- Top off with ginger ale for that fizzy kick.
- Stir it just enough to mix, but don’t kill the bubbles.
- Add orange slices, mint leaves, and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Serve it up cold, right away.
I usually taste before adding all the syrup—sometimes you just don’t need as much. Getting the sweetness right is kind of personal, don’t you think?
Notes
Sometimes I swap in ginger beer if I want a bigger, spicier punch. Crushed ice chills things down faster, but it does melt and dilute the drink quicker, so that’s a trade-off.
Mint should always go on last, or it’ll get limp and sad-looking. No simple syrup on hand? Just stir equal parts sugar and hot water in a pan, then let it cool.
If you’re making drinks for a group, this one scales up easily in a pitcher. Just multiply everything and stir gently—no need to shake each glass.
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pimm’s No.1
- 1 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz ginger ale
- 0.5 oz lemon juice fresh is best
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or more to taste
- 2-3 orange slices
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- fresh mint leaves for garnish
- ice cubes to fill glass
- lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add Pimm’s No.1, vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake gently for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass packed with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger ale and stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with orange slices, mint leaves, and a cinnamon stick. Add a lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
|
Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
|
LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
|
Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
|
Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
|
WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
|
Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
|
Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
|
Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
|
Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
|
Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
|
1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
|
Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
|
Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
That first sip? It’s so crisp and honestly pretty refreshing. The cranberry brings this sharp tartness, which really cuts through the sweetness of the Pimms.
There’s a gentle warmth from the spices—cinnamon and clove, I think. They sort of hang around at the end, not in your face but definitely there.
I love that the drink feels light, yet there’s still a lot going on. The fruitiness is bright, but then the spice shows up and keeps things from getting overly sweet.
The color grabs your attention, too. It’s got this deep red shade that just looks festive, almost like it’s made for a party.
Drinking it chilled keeps everything clean and smooth. If the ice melts too much, the flavors mellow out a bit, though the spice still manages to peek through.
Each sip is a little different, which I find kind of fun. Sometimes the cranberry takes the lead, and other times the spice steps up more.


























