Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer Recipe – Easy Cocktail!

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

As the crisp autumn air settles in and Thanksgiving preparations begin, nothing sets the mood quite like a vibrant, fizzy Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer. This delightful drink blends tart cranberry juice, sweet apple cider, and a splash of citrus for a perfectly balanced holiday cranberry mocktail (or cocktail, if you prefer!). Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want a refreshing sipper to enjoy while cooking, this cranberry spritzer drink is a must-try. Easy to make, naturally beautiful, and bursting with seasonal flavors—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for guests aged 40–65+ who appreciate a festive yet fuss-free beverage.


Introduction: Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Thanksgiving is all about warmth, gratitude, and of course, delicious food and drinks. The Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is the perfect way to toast to the season—bright, bubbly, and brimming with festive flavors. This drink effortlessly combines cranberry juice, apple cider, and sparkling water for a refreshing sip that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

What makes this cranberry spritzer drink so special? It’s versatile! Serve it as a holiday cranberry mocktail for a non-alcoholic option, or add a splash of vodka or prosecco for an adult twist. The deep ruby hue and fresh garnishes make it a stunning addition to any holiday table, while the crisp, lightly sweet taste keeps guests coming back for refills.

Whether you’re pairing it with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or simply enjoying it as a standalone treat, this Thanksgiving cranberry cocktail is a festive must-have. It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for last-minute hosting or a relaxing pre-dinner drink while the oven works its magic.


Alternate Names & Variations

This drink goes by many names, so if you’re searching for something similar, you might find it as:
Sparkling Cranberry Punch
Holiday Cranberry Fizz
Cranberry Apple Spritzer

For a fun twist, try swapping sparkling water with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness.


Ingredients: Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Here’s what you’ll need for this refreshing cranberry spritzer drink:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice for best flavor)
  • 2 cups sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda for a sweeter touch)
  • 1 cup apple cider (for a cozy autumnal sweetness)
  • ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for a bright citrus note)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional but festive!)
  • Orange slices (for a pop of color and extra flavor)
  • Ice (to keep it chilled)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill Your Ingredients – For the best taste, ensure all juices and sparkling water are cold before mixing.

2. Combine the Juices – In a large pitcher, stir together the cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice.

3. Add the Fizz – Just before serving, gently pour in the sparkling water to preserve the bubbles.

4. Serve Over Ice – Fill glasses with ice, then pour the spritzer over the top.

5. Garnish & Enjoy – Add a few fresh cranberries and an orange slice to each glass for a festive touch.

Chef’s Tip: If making this ahead, mix everything except the sparkling water and add it right before serving to keep the drink fizzy.


Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~90 per serving

This Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is the ultimate quick, refreshing drink for holiday gatherings. No cooking required—just mix, pour, and enjoy!


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This holiday cranberry mocktail is a winner because:
Balanced Flavors – Tart cranberry, sweet apple, and bright citrus create harmony.
Effortless Elegance – The deep red color and garnishes make it look gourmet with minimal effort.
Customizable – Make it boozy with vodka, bourbon, or champagne for a Thanksgiving cranberry cocktail.

Pro Tip: Freeze cranberries in ice cubes for a stunning (and functional) garnish!


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep the juice mixture (without sparkling water) refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the carbonation, but you can freeze cranberry juice ice cubes for later use.
Serving: Always add sparkling water last to maintain fizziness.


People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer
Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

What ingredients go into a cranberry spritzer for Thanksgiving?

This cranberry spritzer drink includes cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and sparkling water for a refreshing mix. Garnishes like fresh cranberries and orange slices add a festive touch. You can also customize it with lemon-lime soda or a splash of alcohol for a Thanksgiving cranberry cocktail.

Can cranberry spritzer be made alcohol-free?

Absolutely! This holiday cranberry mocktail is naturally alcohol-free, making it perfect for all ages. Simply skip the alcohol and enjoy the fizzy, fruity flavors as-is.

How far in advance can you make a Thanksgiving cranberry spritzer?

You can mix the juices (without sparkling water) up to 2 days ahead. Add the fizz right before serving to keep it bubbly.

What garnish pairs well with cranberry spritzer?

Fresh cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or even cinnamon sticks make beautiful garnishes for this Thanksgiving cranberry cocktail.


Conclusion: Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

There you have it—a simple, stunning, and delicious Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer that’s sure to become a holiday staple. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday cranberry mocktail or spiking it for a festive twist, this drink is guaranteed to impress.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your creations with us on social media—we’d love to see your holiday sips!


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Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

A festive, bubbly Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer perfect for celebrating the season with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Orange slices (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a shaker or pitcher, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir or shake well until fully combined.
  2. Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  3. Pour the juice mixture into each glass, filling about 2/3 full.
  4. Top with sparkling water or club soda to fill the glass.
  5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an adult version, you can add a splash of vodka or prosecco. Adjust maple syrup to taste depending on sweetness preference.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: thanksgiving, cranberry, spritzer, drink, holiday, beverage