Cranberry Ginger Ale Cocktail

Put a festive spin on your cocktail routine with this cranberry ginger ale cocktail and be prepared for a new regular in your brunch drink rotation!

A cranberry ginger ale cocktail is a delightful and versatile drink that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday brunch or a summer garden party. It’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet brunch dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing: The combination of tart cranberry juice, zesty lime juice, and sweet ginger ale creates a perfectly balanced drink.
• Versatile: This cocktail can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious cocktail in no time.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious cranberry ginger ale cocktail.

Ingredient Notes

• Ginger Ale: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and fizz.What You Need to Make a Cranberry Ginger Ale Cocktail
• Vodka: Plain vodka works best, but you can also use white rum or a mild gin if preferred.
• Cranberry Juice: Opt for 100% cranberry juice for the best tart flavor.

How To Make a Cranberry Ginger Ale Cocktail

Fill a cocktail glass halfway with ice. Add vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice to the cocktail glass, then top off the cocktail with ginger ale.

Using a cocktail stirrer or a spoon, gently stir the drink a few times to thoroughly combine.  Optionally garnish with a rosemary sprig and fresh or dried cranberries.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Avoid Sweetened Cranberry Punch: Though cranberry juice is very tart, avoid using a sweetened cranberry punch and opt for 100% cranberry juice. The sweetness from the ginger ale will balance out the tartness of the cranberry juice, and you can add more or less ginger ale depending on your desired sweetness levels.

• Pre-Batch for Parties: This recipe is portioned out for one drink, but it is incredibly easy to scale-up and pre-batch. To pre-batch, add the desired amount of vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice to a pitcher, but don’t add the ginger ale (waiting to add the ginger ale will prevent a flat cocktail). Stir to combine then cover the pitcher and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, add in the ginger ale and fill the pitcher with ice before distributing in cocktail glasses.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: If you need to store the pre-mixed ingredients (excluding the ginger ale), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Reheating: This cocktail is best served fresh and chilled. Reheating is not recommended.

Additions & Substitutions

• Additions: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of pomegranate juice or garnish with a twist of lime peel.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have cranberry juice, pomegranate juice works well as an alternative. For a different twist, try using ginger beer instead of ginger ale for a spicier kick.

Recipe FAQs

What can I serve with this cranberry ginger ale cocktail?

Cheese platters with a mix of hard and soft cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and creamy brie, pair beautifully with the sweet and tart notes of the drink. Charcuterie boards with cured meats like prosciutto and salami offer a savory balance. Crockpot meatballs with a slightly sweet glaze and classic shrimp cocktail also make excellent companions for this refreshing cocktail. These combinations create a delightful and complementary spread for any gathering.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Definitely! Simply omit the vodka and enjoy a delicious and refreshing cranberry ginger ale mocktail.

Can I use ginger beer in place of ginger ale?

Yes, but keep in mind that ginger beer has a stronger and spicier flavor compared to ginger ale, which will make the cocktail more intense. If you enjoy the taste of ginger beer, it can be a great substitution.