This Cranberry Orange Mocktail is one of my favorite drinks to serve during the holidays. It's festive, refreshing, and only takes a few minutes to mix together. Whether you're hosting Christmas dinner, a holiday brunch, or a New Year's Eve gathering, this simple mocktail is always a hit.
The combination of cranberry, orange, and cream soda creates a lightly sweet drink that's easy to make for a crowd. Garnish each glass with sugared cranberries or an orange slice for an extra festive touch.
Cranberry and orange are perfect for getting you into a festive mood. For more cranberry orange deliciousness, check out my cranberry orange muffins, cranberry orange swirled brioche loaf, and vegan cranberry sauce with orange!
Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients:
- 100% cranberry juice for the best cranberry flavor.
- Orange juice, fresh or store-bought.
- Vanilla or cream soda adds a creamy sweetness. Ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or sparkling water also work well.
- Sugared cranberries (optional) for a festive garnish.
- Orange slices for serving.
How To Make
Pour the cranberry juice, orange juice, and cream soda into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix and lose the carbonation.
Pour over ice and garnish with sugared cranberries and orange slices if desired.
If you're making a larger batch, use a ratio of 1 part cranberry juice, 1 part orange juice, and 3 parts cream soda.
Candied Cranberries
Sugared cranberries are optional, but they make a beautiful holiday garnish. If you'd like to make them, coat fresh cranberries in simple syrup, let them dry for about 45 minutes, then toss them in granulated sugar. They can be made a day or two ahead.
Recipe tips
- Mix the drink just before serving to keep it nice and bubbly.
- Chill all of the ingredients ahead of time so you don't need as much ice.
- If using sugared cranberries, add them just before serving so the sugar coating stays crisp.
- For a less sweet drink, substitute sparkling water for some or all of the cream soda.
Variations
- Use ginger ale for a lighter flavor.
- Substitute lemon-lime soda for a citrus twist.
- Add fresh rosemary sprigs for an easy holiday garnish.
- Serve in a punch bowl for larger holiday gatherings.
More Mocktail Options
- Raspberry Mojito Mocktail
- Mint Grapefruit Mocktail
- Watermelon Mocktail
- Nectarine Shrub
- Virgin Pina Colada
Cranberry Orange and Vanilla Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 4 cups vanilla cream soda
- 2 cups ice as needed
Instructions
- Divide the cranberry juice and orange juice evenly among 4 glasses.
- Top each glass with vanilla cream soda and stir gently to combine.
- Serve over ice or chilled, garnished with orange slices or sugared cranberries, if desired.
Notes
Notes
- For the best flavor and carbonation, mix the drinks just before serving.
- If using sugared cranberries, add them right before serving so the sugar coating stays crisp.
- Ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or sparkling water can be substituted for the vanilla cream soda.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!