This easy cranberry Christmas Cocktail is both festive and refreshing – the perfect way to celebrate this holiday season! This merry mix combines tart cranberry juice, nutty amaretto, and a bright splash of orange juice for a signature cocktail that is perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. Add a splash of vodka for even more Christmas spirit!
Looking for more refreshing cranberry cocktails? Here are some of our favorites: Cranberry Gin Cocktail, Cranberry Moscow Mule and this Vodka Cranberry Cocktail!
Cranberry Cocktail
Get ready to celebrate this holiday season with this Cranberry Christmas Cocktail – a delightful blend of festive flavors that combines tart cranberry juice, nutty and smooth amaretto and bright orange juice. This recipe has amazing flavor. It’s also a little light on alcohol which makes it great for parties because it’s pleasing to everyone’s palate.
If you want to up the “Christmas spirit”, vodka is the perfect addition to this recipe and turns this Blushing Santa into a Cranberry Kiss.
Easy Holiday Cocktails
I love a good cocktail that can be prepared in just a minute or two and is perfect for parties or a cozy night in. This simple recipe combines three ingredients that really highlight the holiday spirit. As you all know, I love cranberry and orange together. I think it is a magical combination and it holds true in this Cranberry Christmas cocktail.
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just got tasked with “drinks”, this recipe is so easy and fun to make. It’s a drink that not only tastes like the holidays but also looks the part, with its rich red hue and sparkling sugar rim. Garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange slice or two and maybe a cinnamon stick and sprig of rosemary. Festive and so delicious!
Love cranberry and orange together as much as I do? Make sure to try my Cranberry Orange Scones, Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies and these tasty Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Meatballs!
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
Experience the magic of the holiday season with this simple cranberry cocktail that’s as easy to drink as it is to make! Here’s why you’re going to love it as much as I do:
- Festive Flavors: Cranberry and orange are my favorite holiday flavors and this cocktail perfectly balances the two while adding the smooth, nutty almond flavor of amaretto.
- Party Perfect: This recipe is the perfect cocktail recipe for parties. With it’s 1:1:2 ratio it’s easy to multiply up for punch bowls, pitchers – whatever you need. Great for a fancy holiday party or a casual gathering!
- Just 3 Ingredients: You simply can’t go wrong with a 3 ingredient cocktail! It’s simple enough to whip up a single glass after dinner or make up a big punch bowl for a party.
How To Make This Easy Christmas Cocktail
Rim Glass
This is totally optional. Rub an orange wedge along the edge of your glass or dip into a bit of orange juice. Dip the rim of the glass into a shallow bowl or plate with sugar. Set aside.
Prepare Cocktail
- Fill glass halfway with ice.
- Combine cranberry juice, amaretto (and vodka if using), and orange juice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well.
- Pour over ice into glass.
- Garnish with cranberries and orange slices if desired. Enjoy!
Storage Information
To make ahead of time, combined the cranberry juice, amaretto and orange juice and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to serve, add vodka if using and serve over ice or transfer to a pitcher or punch bowl when ready to serve.
Variations To Try
- Add a cinnamon stick or a dash of ginger for a warm, spicy note.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or mint for an aromatic touch.
- Try a cranberry blend juice for added flavor and depth.
- Top with soda, ginger ale or sparkling wine for a fizzy finish.
Trish’s Tips
- Chill the ingredients so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly and dilute the cocktail.
- Consider freezing cranberries to add to the punch bowl for a festive finish.
- Use colored sugar or even cinnamon for the sugar rim.
- Grab pulp free orange juice for a super smooth cocktail.
Can I use cranberry juice cocktail ?
Sure! It will make the cocktail a bit sweeter and less tart than if you use 100% Cranberry Juice.
Can I make this cranberry cocktail in larger batches?
Sure! Here is a breakdown for a 2 to 2.5 gallon punch bowl (keeping in mind you will have ice and garnishes):
Without Vodka
- 10 cups cranberry juice
- 5 cups Amaretto
- 5 cups orange juice
With Vodka
- 8 cups cranberry juice
- 4 cups Amaretto
- 4 cups Vodka
- 4 cups orange juice
More Merry Drinks
How To Make Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
Ingredients
Sugar Rim (optional)
- 1 orange wedge
- 2 tablespoons sugar for rimming glasses
Single Serving Cocktail
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1 ounce amaretto liqueur
- 1 ounce vodka optional
- 1 ounce orange juice
For Serving
- ice
Garnish (Optional)
- fresh cranberries for garnish
- orange slices or wedges
- cinnamon sticks
- rosemary sprigs
- mint sprigs
For Punch Bowl (2 to 2.5 Gallon) without Vodka
- 10 cups cranberry juice
- 5 cups amaretto liqueur
- 5 cups orange juice
For Punch Bowl (2 to 2.5 Gallon) with Vodka
- 8 cups cranberry juice
- 4 cups amaretto liqueur
- 4 cups orange juice
- 4 cups vodka
Instructions
For Single Cocktail
Rim Glass
- This is totally optional. Rub an orange wedge along the edge of your glass. Dip the glass into a shallow bowl or plate with sugar. Set aside.1 orange wedge, 2 tablespoons sugar
- Add cranberry juice, amaretto (and vodka if using), and orange juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake well.2 ounces cranberry juice, 1 ounce amaretto liqueur, 1 ounce orange juice, 1 ounce vodka
- Pour over ice into glass.ice
- Garnish with cranberries and orange slices if desired. Enjoy!
For Punch Bowl
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, amaretto, orange juice and vodka, if using. Mix well.
- Garnish with optional garnishes including orange slices and fresh cranberries. Serve over ice or with ice in the bowl.
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