A refreshing sparkling cranberry mocktail using 100% juice — no added sugar required.
Cranberry Mocktail Recipe
Looking for a festive drink that feels special without any alcohol? This sparkling cranberry mocktail is perfect for any occasion. Made with a mix of 100% tart cranberry juice and a naturally sweetened cranberry juice blend (ex. cranberry-pomegranate), plus plenty of sparkling lemon, grapefruit, lime or ginger water, it’s bright, tangy, lightly sweet, and deliciously fizzy.
While festive enough for the holidays, this fizzy cranberry drink is also refreshing year-round. It’s easy and endlessly adaptable for parties, brunches, and celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Mocktail
Unlike store-bought cranberry cocktails that are often loaded with added sugar, this homemade cranberry mocktail is naturally sweet using two types of juice:
- 100% cranberry juice for bold tart flavor
- Naturally sweetened cranberry juice blend (sweetened only with fruit juice), which balances the tartness without syrup or added sugar
Stir in sparkling water or soda in a 1:1 ratio with the juice for a refreshing cranberry spritzer.
Ingredients & Notes
- 100% Cranberry Juice (unsweetened) – Tart, pure and the base of this drink.
Recommended: RW Knudsen Just Cranberry Juice - Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Juice Blend – Adds natural sweetness without added sugar. Cranberry-pomegranate works beautifully.
Recommended: RW Knudsen Organic Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
Juice Quality Tip: Choose cranberry juices that are 100% juice and not from concentrate. For the sweetened blend, ensure it is sweetened only with fruit juice, not sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
- Sparkling Water or Soda – Lemon, grapefruit or lime flavored sparkling water or soda brightens the mocktail.
Recommended: Spindrift Sparkling Water (Lemon)
Soda Water Tip: Choose a sparkling water that contains no added sugar. Most flavored sparkling waters are naturally unsweetened.
- Lemon, Lime or Grapefruit Peel or Slices – Adds flavorful citrus oils.
- Lemon, Lime or Grapefruit Juice– Compliments the tartness of the cranberry juice. Choose a soda water to match.
- Garnish (optional) – Fresh or frozen cranberries, citrus slices.
Sweetness Tip: Adjust the ratio of tart juice to naturally sweetened juice to get your perfect level of sweetness.
How to Make a Cranberry Mocktail
1. Prepare the Mocktail Base
In a large pitcher, combine the 100% cranberry juice, naturally sweetened cranberry juice blend, citrus juice of choice and peel or slices. Stir in cranberries. (Fresh cranberries will float and add a festive touch while frozen cranberries will infuse extra cranberry flavor.)
Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
2. Add the Sparkle — 1:1 Ratio
Just before serving, add an equal amount of chilled sparkling water or soda (1:1 with the total juice).
3. Serve Chilled
Pour mocktail into chilled glasses and serve cold.
4. Enjoy
Flavor Variations
Cranberry-Apple Spritzer – Swap in a naturally cranberry-apple juice for a sweeter twist.
Cranberry-Grape Fizz – Use a naturally sweetened cranberry-grape juice blend for deeper flavor.
Citrus-Cranberry Sparkler – Experiment with different flavored sparkling waters or sodas like grapefruit, orange, or lime.
Final Thoughts
This sparkling cranberry spritzer mocktail delivers lots of fizz and flavor without any alcohol or added sugar. Tart and refreshing it’s perfect for holidays, baby showers, summer picnics, brunches, or any time you want a non-alcoholic option.
More Cranberry Drinks:
Cranberry Mocktail
A bright and refreshing cranberry mocktail made with 100% juice and no added sugar. Festive, fresh, and perfect for the holidays and beyond.
Ingredients
- 2 cups/480ml 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 2 cups/480ml naturally sweetened cranberry juice blend (for example: cranberry-pomegranate; fruit-juice-sweetened only) Adjust to taste. Increase the ratio of juice blend for a sweeter flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons/30ml fresh citrus juice (lemon, lime or grapefruit), plus more to taste. (Start with 2 tablespoons to brighten the cranberry flavor; add additional citrus 1 Tablespoon at a time to reach desired acidity.)
- 4 cups/960ml chilled sparkling water or soda (equal to the total juice — 1:1 ratio)
- Garnish (optional): Lemon peel or slices, fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Mix the Mocktail Base:
Combine the cranberry juices, citrus juice and slices and fresh or frozen cranberries in a large pitcher. Stir and chill for 15 minutes. - Add the Bubbles (1:1 Ratio):
Add an equal amount of sparkling water to the total juice. - Serve:
Pour into chilled glasses and serve cold. - Enjoy!
Notes
Notes on Ingredients:
- Cranberry Juices: Choose 100% juice (not from concentrate)
and ensure the juice blend is fruit-juice-sweetened only. - Sparkling Water: Use no-sugar-added sparkling water or soda.
Lemon or ginger enhances brightness; add extra for a lighter spritzer. - Garnishes: Fresh lemon and cranberries add a festive touch.
Dietary Info:
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Refined Sugar Free
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 44Total Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
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