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Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Mocktail: Best Holiday Drink

sparkling cranberry ginger mocktail - featured image

This sparkling cranberry ginger mocktail is a festive, non-alcoholic holiday drink made with fresh cranberries, ginger, and maple syrup. It’s simple to make, perfect for a crowd, and brings back warm memories of family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (about 100g)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger (about 20g), peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup water (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (30ml)
  • 4 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda (960ml)
  • Ice cubes
  • For garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs, frozen cranberries, thin slices of fresh ginger, or lime wheels (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the 2-inch piece of fresh ginger using a spoon or vegetable peeler, then slice into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, sliced ginger, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Stir to combine.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until cranberries have broken down and liquid is deep ruby red.
  4. Optional: Gently press the cranberries and ginger against the side of the pan with a spoon to release more flavor.
  5. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a heat-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup. Pour the hot mixture through the strainer, pressing on solids with the back of a spoon to extract all syrup. Discard solids.
  6. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (or speed up by placing in the fridge for 20 minutes). Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
  7. Transfer syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week (or up to 3 days before serving for best flavor).
  8. To assemble: Chill sparkling water, serving pitcher, and glasses well.
  9. Pour the cooled cranberry-ginger syrup into a large pitcher or punch bowl.
  10. Just before serving, slowly pour in 4 cups chilled sparkling water. Gently stir with a long spoon.
  11. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with additional maple syrup or lime juice if desired.
  12. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour mocktail over ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
  13. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, frozen cranberries, thin ginger slices, or lime wheels. For stronger rosemary aroma, gently slap the sprig between your palms before adding.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

The cranberry-ginger syrup can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. For a party, set up a mocktail bar with the syrup, sparkling water, ice, and garnishes so guests can assemble their own drinks. Do not add ice directly to the punch bowl to prevent dilution. The syrup also freezes well for up to 3 months in ice cube trays.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry ginger mocktail, holiday drink, non-alcoholic, sparkling, festive, vegan, gluten-free