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Cranberry Apple Spritzer Mocktail is a festive and refreshingly light drink that instantly brightens up any holiday gathering or brunch table. The fruit flavors bounce together in every sip, and even kids love this fun sparkle. Whenever I make this for guests, it always vanishes in minutes and becomes a party favorite.
Last Christmas Eve, I tried this recipe on a whim while scrambling for a nonalcoholic option. It turned out to be the star of the evening with both little kids and adults. Now it is on repeat every holiday season in my home.
Ingredients
- Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry: gives the drink fizz and a hint of spice. Look for the limited-edition seasonal bottle near other sodas.
- Simply Apple: brings natural sweetness and needs to taste fresh and not overly tart. Choose a brand that is pure apple juice for the best flavor.
- Simply Cranberry: delivers bold tangy color and zip. Pick pure cranberry juice for the brightest flavor and color.
- Rosemary sprig for garnish: adds a pop of green and fragrant aroma that makes every glass feel special.
- Fresh cranberries: float and add charm. Pick firm berries with glossy skins.
- Apple slices: pretty up the rim and add a sweet crunch after drinking. Use crisp pretty apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Sanding sugar: rims the glass for sparkle and a little texture. Use coarse sugar for the best look.
Instructions
- Rim with Sparkle:
- Wet the rim of your serving glass and gently spin it in a plate of sanding sugar until evenly coated. This step adds a touch of sparkle as you sip.
- Mix the Spritz:
- Pour equal amounts of Simply Cranberry Simply Apple and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry into your rimmed glass. Use three ounces each for perfect balance and lively fizz. Pour slowly to preserve bubbles.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Drop in a few fresh cranberries and tuck in a couple of thin apple slices. Finish with a rosemary sprig to give visual flair and a hint of herbal aroma. Serve immediately while the drink is extra cold and fizzy.
My favorite ingredient is the fresh rosemary. Its woodsy scent makes every sip feel wintry and extra special. I still remember my niece giggling while munching on the sugar-crusted apple slice garnish—it is a family memory I always hold dear.
Storage Tips
For the best fizz and flavor, assemble the mocktail just before serving. If you want to prepare in advance, you can rim your glasses and slice your fruit a few hours early. Keep your juices and soda chilled until you are ready to pour. Leftovers will lose their bubbles quickly but still taste good.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, use classic lemon-lime soda or club soda. For a zestier twist, add a little orange juice in place of apple juice. You can also use plain cranberry juice but add a splash of simple syrup or honey for balance if it is too tart.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these in clear glasses to show off the pretty colors. For special dinners, set up a mini drink station so guests can garnish their own. Mini skewers with alternating cranberries and apple chunks look charming across the rim.
Cultural and Seasonal Fun
Mocktails like this are a tradition in my family for toasting together at New Year’s Eve or every holiday dinner. The recipe can easily adapt for spring by swapping in fresh pears and thyme or for summer with blueberries and mint.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use spiced cider instead of apple juice for extra warmth. Try sugared rosemary sprigs for a snowy garnish. Mix in pomegranate seeds for more festive sparkle.
Success Stories
Friends have texted me photos of their own spritzers at every kind of party from baby showers to backyard cookouts. More than one guest has confessed it is their new favorite mocktail too.
Freezer Meal Conversion
This recipe really shines fresh, but the juices and garnishes can be prepped and frozen in advance. Freeze extra apple slices and cranberries on a tray then drop into the glass on serving day for a natural chill.
This Cranberry Apple Spritzer always brings a burst of joy to the table. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family any time you want a little extra sparkle.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What kind of apple juice works best?
Use a pure, high-quality apple juice for the freshest flavor. Simply Apple is recommended for its natural taste and clarity.
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It's best assembled right before serving to keep the carbonation lively and the garnishes fresh and crisp.
- → Is there a substitute for Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry?
If unavailable, regular Sprite mixed with a splash of cranberry juice and a hint of cinnamon makes a good alternative.
- → How do I rim the glass with sanding sugar?
Moisten the glass rim with water or a fruit wedge, then dip into sanding sugar for an even, festive coating.
- → What garnishes add the most flavor impact?
Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs not only look beautiful but provide subtle aromatic and tart notes.