November 4, 2023
Review RecipeVodka Cranberry
Vodka cranberry is a refreshingly tangy cocktail that combines chilled vodka with the tartness of cranberry juice, garnished with a zesty lime wedge.
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Indulge in the delightful blend of flavors with our vodka cranberry cocktail. This classic recipe offers a refreshing combination of chilled vodka and tangy cranberry juice, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Vodka Cranberry Ingredients
The ingredients in our vodka cranberry cocktail each play a crucial role.
The vodka blends perfectly with cranberry juice for a balanced kick, while the cranberry juice provides tangy notes and vibrant color.
The lime wedge and squeeze of lime juice add a burst of citrusy freshness, enhancing the drink’s overall flavor.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of ice
- 1½ ounces of vodka, chilled
- ½ cup of 100% cranberry juice, chilled
- 1 lime wedge
For Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cranberries on a cocktail skewer
PRO TIP:
If you do not have your vodka chilled, your cocktail will still taste great. Having the vodka chilled means that you do not need to use as much ice in your cocktails. This helps not to have the drink watered down with melting ice.
Substitutions and Additions
CRANBERRY JUICE: For a slightly sweeter version of this classic cocktail, you can use a cranberry juice cocktail. It has added sugar to the bottle.
The traditional 100% cranberry juice version is a little on the tarter side. Both are delicious. It is just a personal preference for the final flavor.
You can also experiment with flavored cranberry juices, like cranberry-pomegranate, for a unique twist.
ICE: If you’re out of ice, consider using frozen cranberries to chill your drink. They’ll also add a festive touch.
You could also use reusable silicone ice cubes.
VODKA: While Tito’s brand vodka is recommended for its quality and smoothness, you can explore other premium vodka brands.
Just ensure you choose a vodka that you enjoy sipping on its own.
LIME: If you don’t have a fresh lime wedge on hand, a splash of bottled lime juice can do the trick. However, the fresh lime wedge does add a touch of authenticity.
How To Make This Vodka Cranberry Recipe
Creating the perfect vodka cranberry drink is all about balance and technique. Here’s how to do it:
STEP ONE: Add the ice, chilled vodka, and cranberry juice to a lowball cocktail glass that has at least a 12-ounce capacity. Gently stir to combine.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
A great way to determine if your glass size will work for this recipe is to fill it with one cup of ice, then add three-quarters of a cup (six ounces) of water.
If your glass holds all the water and ice, then your glass is a good size for this drink. If your glass is a little smaller, you can add less ice to the glass to ensure that your glass will hold all vodka and cranberry juice.
STEP TWO: Garnish the glass with a lime wedge and optional fresh cranberries.
PRO TIP:
You can omit the optional garnish of fresh cranberries, but the lime wedge and squeeze of lime juice are suggested for serving.
STEP THREE: Before drinking, squeeze the juice of the lime wedge into the cocktail. Enjoy!
How To Serve
Serve your cranberry vodka cocktail as a standalone cocktail for a simple yet elegant experience. The crispness of the vodka and the tartness of cranberry juice make it a delightful drink on its own.
If you’re looking to pair this classic drink with some nibbles, consider serving it alongside appetizers like stuffed mushrooms, cucumber bites, or mini cheeseball bites.
For a creative twist, serve the cocktail at a party. Offer a variety of fruit garnishes like orange slices, lemon wedges, or even mint leaves, allowing guests to customize their drinks.
For more delightful cocktails that we are sure you will enjoy, try our strawberry lemonade cocktail and campfire cocktail.
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Storage
We’ve got a few helpful storage tips for this easy drink recipe.
MAKE AHEAD: You can make this simple cocktail ahead of time by mixing the vodka and cranberry juice and storing them in the fridge. Just add ice and garnishes when ready to serve.
IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftover vodka cranberry, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
IN THE FREEZER: While it’s not recommended to freeze the cocktail, you can freeze cranberries to use as ice cubes for chilling your drink without dilution.
Why We Love This Recipe
SIMPLICITY: Our vodka cranberry recipe is delightfully simple, making it accessible to both beginners and cocktail enthusiasts. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to create a refreshing masterpiece.
BALANCED FLAVOR: The combination of chilled vodka and 100% cranberry juice strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s irresistible.
FRESHNESS: The addition of a lime wedge adds a burst of freshness to each sip, elevating the overall drinking experience.
Our vodka cranberry cocktail is a true gem in the world of mixed drinks. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy night in, or simply craving a refreshing drink, this recipe has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any brand of vodka?
While you can use any brand of vodka, we recommend a quality one like Tito’s for a smoother taste.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of a fresh lime wedge?
Bottled lime juice is a suitable alternative, but the fresh lime wedge is best.
Can I use a cranberry juice cocktail instead of 100% cranberry juice?
You can use a cranberry juice cocktail if you prefer a sweeter version of this cocktail.
Can I use flavored vodka to add a twist?
Absolutely, flavored vodka can add exciting new dimensions to this classic cocktail.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, simply omit the vodka and increase the amount of cranberry juice for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.
What can I use instead of fresh cranberries for garnish?
Frozen cranberries or even a twist of orange peel can be used as an alternative garnish.
Can I make a large batch of this vodka cranberry cocktail recipe for a party?
Absolutely! You can scale up the ingredients to make a pitcher of vodka cranberry for parties.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Alexander Cocktail
- Campfire Cocktail
- Peach Schnapps Cocktail
- Fruit Tingle Cocktail
- Empress Gin Cocktail
- Cotton Candy Cocktail
Vodka Cranberry
Vodka cranberry is a refreshingly tangy cocktail that combines chilled vodka with the tartness of cranberry juice, garnished with a zesty lime wedge.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 1½ ounces vodka, chilled
- ½ cup 100% cranberry juice, chilled
- 1 lime wedge
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cranberries, on a cocktail skewer
Instructions
- Add the ice, chilled vodka, and cranberry juice in a lowball cocktail glass (at least 12-ounce capacity). Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish the glass with a lime wedge and optional fresh cranberries.
- Before drinking, squeeze the juice of the lime wedge into the cocktail. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you do not have your vodka chilled, your cocktail will still taste great. Having the vodka chilled means that you do not need to use as much ice in your cocktails, and this helps not to have the drink watered down with melting ice.
- A great way to determine if your glass size will work for this recipe is to fill it with one cup of ice, then add three-quarters of a cup (6 ounces) of water. If your glass holds all the water and ice, then your glass is a good size for this drink. If your glass is a little smaller, you can add less ice to the glass to ensure that your glass will hold all vodka and cranberry juice.
- You can omit the optional garnish of fresh cranberries, but the lime wedge and squeeze of lime juice are suggested for serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 116mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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