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Spiced Cranberry Holiday Cocktail

A festive cocktail with tart cranberries, warm spices, and sparkling bubbles, perfect for holiday celebrations and winter gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Course: Cocktail, Drink
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Spiced Cranberry Base
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
Cocktail
  • 2 oz vodka or bourbon, rum, or gin
  • 3 oz spiced cranberry mixture strained
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz sparkling water or champagne
  • ice cubes
Cinnamon Sugar Rim
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 lime wedge for rimming
Garnish
  • fresh cranberries
  • cinnamon sticks
  • star anise
  • rosemary sprig optional

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Cocktail glasses

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Cook the mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and liquid thickens slightly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and ground nutmeg. Allow to cool to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids and refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around glass rim, then dip into cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
  6. Fill prepared glass with ice cubes, about three-quarters full.
  7. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine spirit, 3 oz spiced cranberry mixture, and fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
  8. Strain cocktail into prepared glass over ice. Top with sparkling water or champagne, pouring gently.
  9. Garnish with fresh cranberries, cinnamon stick, star anise, and optional rosemary sprig.
  10. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly. Stir gently before sipping.

Notes

The spiced cranberry base can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For a non-alcoholic version, omit spirits and add extra sparkling juice. Adjust sweetness to taste.