Ultimate Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail With Holiday Spices
This festive Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail brings together tart cranberries, juicy orange, and warm holiday spices in one easy, sparkling drink. It’s bright, gently spiced, and just sweet enough to feel celebratory without being heavy. You get the freshness of citrus, the color pop of cranberries, and the cozy aroma of cinnamon and clove.
It’s a great signature drink for holiday gatherings, but simple enough for a quiet night in. And yes, there’s an easy mocktail version, too.
Why This Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail Recipe Works
This drink balances three things: tart fruit, gentle sweetness, and warm spice. Cranberry gives a sharp, clean flavor that plays beautifully with orange.
A quick spiced syrup adds depth without overpowering the bubbles. The sparkling wine or club soda lifts everything and keeps it light, so the cocktail feels festive rather than heavy. And because the syrup is made ahead, mixing a round for guests takes minutes.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail
- Fresh cranberries (plus a few extra for garnish)
- Orange juice (freshly squeezed is best) and orange zest
- Sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne) or club soda for a mocktail
- Vodka or gin (optional, for a stronger cocktail)
- Granulated sugar (or honey) for the spiced syrup
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise (optional, but lovely)
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish, optional)
- Ice
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail
- Make the spiced cranberry-orange syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 strip of orange zest, 1 cinnamon stick, 3–4 whole cloves, and 1 star anise.
Bring to a gentle simmer for 6–8 minutes until cranberries start to pop and the liquid turns ruby red. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes. Strain, pressing gently to extract liquid. Cool completely.
- Chill the bubbly. Pop the sparkling wine in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Cold bubbles taste crisper and keep the cocktail bright.
- Prep your glasses. Use flutes or stemless wine glasses. If you want a sugar rim, rub an orange wedge around the rim and dip in fine sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Build the cocktail. For each drink, add 1–1.5 ounces of the spiced syrup to the glass.
If using vodka or gin, add 1 ounce. Gently add 3–4 ounces of sparkling wine. Stir once with a long spoon to combine without knocking out the bubbles.
- Garnish. Add 2–3 fresh cranberries and a small orange twist.
A tiny rosemary sprig adds a fragrant, evergreen touch.
- Make it a mocktail. Swap sparkling wine for chilled club soda or a 50/50 mix of ginger ale and club soda. Skip the vodka or gin. Build the same way and garnish as above.
Keeping Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail Fresh
Store the syrup in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 10 days.
The flavor deepens slightly by day two. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Keep your bubbles cold and open the bottle just before serving.
Sparkling wine loses fizz fast once uncorked. If you have leftovers, use a sparkling wine stopper and store the bottle upright in the fridge. It will hold for about 24–36 hours.
Batch ahead for parties. Mix the syrup and spirits in a pitcher (without the sparkling wine).
Keep chilled. Pour into glasses and top with bubbly right before serving.
Health Benefits of Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail
Cranberries bring antioxidants and polyphenols. While the syrup contains sugar, you still get some of the fruit’s benefits.
If you prefer, use honey or a smaller syrup measure to lighten the sweetness.
Orange juice adds vitamin C and bright flavor. Fresh juice avoids the muted taste and added sugars some bottled juices carry.
Spices like cinnamon and cloves offer natural warmth and aroma, and they’ve been studied for antioxidant properties. They also help you use less sugar because spices add perceived sweetness and complexity.
Mocktail option lets you enjoy the ritual without alcohol, which can help with hydration and sleep during a busy season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the syrup too hard. A gentle simmer preserves the bright cranberry flavor and avoids bitterness from the spices.
- Adding bubbly to warm syrup. Warm syrup kills carbonation.
Cool the syrup fully for the best sparkle.
- Heavy-handed spicing. Cloves and star anise are potent. Stick to the amounts and steep times listed, then adjust to taste next time.
- Overly sweetening. Remember, sparkling wine contributes a touch of sweetness if you choose a Brut or Extra Dry. Start with less syrup and add more if needed.
- Using flat or warm sparkling wine. Chill thoroughly and open just before pouring to keep the drink lively.
Recipe Variations of Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail
- Maple Cranberry Sparkle: Replace sugar with maple syrup in the spiced syrup.
Expect a deeper, woodsy note that pairs well with bourbon if you want a whiskey twist.
- Grapefruit Orange Glow: Swap half the orange juice for fresh grapefruit juice. Use a dry Prosecco to balance the extra citrus tang.
- Vanilla Spice: Add a 1-inch piece of split vanilla bean to the syrup and remove before straining. A tiny splash of vanilla extract at the end also works.
- Herbal Lift: Add a few fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the syrup during steeping for a savory edge.
Strain thoroughly to keep the flavors clean.
- Zero-Proof Ginger Fizz: Use ginger beer and club soda instead of sparkling wine. The ginger warmth pairs beautifully with cranberry and orange.
- Spiced Aperol Spritz Twist: Add 1/2 ounce Aperol per glass along with the syrup, then top with Prosecco. Bittersweet and bright.
FAQ
Can I use bottled cranberry juice instead of fresh cranberries?
Yes.
Use 3/4 cup unsweetened 100% cranberry juice plus 1/4 cup water in the syrup, and reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two. The flavor won’t be as jammy as with whole berries, but it’s still excellent.
What type of sparkling wine works best?
Choose a Brut Prosecco or Cava for a crisp, not-too-sweet finish. Champagne is great if you want a splurge.
If your syrup leans sweet, go drier with the bubbly to keep balance.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use 1 ounce of syrup per glass instead of 1.5, and pick an Extra Brut sparkling wine. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon to sharpen the edges.
Can I make the syrup without refined sugar?
Yes. Substitute equal parts honey or maple syrup.
Bring to just a light simmer to preserve their delicate flavors. Expect a slightly different aroma profile—both are delicious.
What’s the best way to garnish?
Fresh cranberries and an orange twist are simple and pretty. For extra holiday mood, add a tiny rosemary sprig.
If you’re feeling fancy, float a single star anise on top—it looks stunning.
Can I batch this for a crowd?
Absolutely. Scale the syrup and mix with spirits in a pitcher. Keep it chilled.
Pour 2 ounces of the mix into each glass and top with 3–4 ounces of sparkling wine right before serving.
How long does the syrup last?
Up to 10 days in the fridge, sealed. If you won’t use it in time, freeze in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
In Conclusion
The Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail with Holiday Spices is colorful, easy, and crowd-pleasing. It brings cozy spice and cheerful bubbles together without weighing you down. Make the syrup ahead, keep the bubbly cold, and you’re set for any gathering.
Whether you go classic, zero-proof, or try a twist, this drink delivers bright flavor and holiday charm in every sip.
Cranberry Orange Sparkle Cocktail With Holiday Spices – A Bright, Bubbly Winter Sipper
Ingredients
Method
- Make the spiced cranberry-orange syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 strip of orange zest, 1 cinnamon stick, 3–4 whole cloves, and 1 star anise. Bring to a gentle simmer for 6–8 minutes until cranberries start to pop and the liquid turns ruby red. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes. Strain, pressing gently to extract liquid. Cool completely.
- Chill the bubbly. Pop the sparkling wine in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Cold bubbles taste crisper and keep the cocktail bright.
- Prep your glasses. Use flutes or stemless wine glasses. If you want a sugar rim, rub an orange wedge around the rim and dip in fine sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Build the cocktail. For each drink, add 1–1.5 ounces of the spiced syrup to the glass. If using vodka or gin, add 1 ounce. Gently add 3–4 ounces of sparkling wine. Stir once with a long spoon to combine without knocking out the bubbles.
- Garnish. Add 2–3 fresh cranberries and a small orange twist. A tiny rosemary sprig adds a fragrant, evergreen touch.
- Make it a mocktail. Swap sparkling wine for chilled club soda or a 50/50 mix of ginger ale and club soda. Skip the vodka or gin. Build the same way and garnish as above.
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Hi, I’m Hannah — the food lover behind Every Day Quick Meals! I’m all about making cooking simple, joyful, and stress-free. Between work, life, and a million to-dos, I know how hard it can be to find time for homemade food. That’s why I create quick, tasty recipes that anyone can make — no fancy skills required. My kitchen motto? Good food doesn’t need to be complicated — just made with love.
