Cranberry Mojito Recipe

The Perfect Cranberry Mojito Recipe for Festive Refreshment

Mixing a refreshing cranberry mojito brings tropical vibes right to your home bar.

Crisp mint leaves dance with tart cranberry juice in this vibrant cocktail.

Cool rum swirls through crushed ice, creating a festive drink that sparkles with color.

Each sip promises a delightful balance between sweet and tangy flavors.

Seasonal cranberries add a festive twist to the classic Cuban favorite.

Cocktail enthusiasts will love how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Pack your glass with excitement and blend these incredible flavors together.

Step into a world of delicious mixology that will make you the star of any gathering.

Cranberry Mojito That’s Cool and Tart

  • Whip Up a Festive Cocktail: Crafting a delightful cranberry mojito requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual weekend celebrations.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, anyone can create this impressive drink in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for both novice and experienced home bartenders.
  • Versatile Seasonal Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe transforms a classic mojito into a winter-friendly version by incorporating cranberry simple syrup and fresh cranberries, offering a tart and refreshing twist that appeals to various taste preferences.
  • Customize Your Cocktail Experience: Easily adjust the sweetness, rum strength, or sparkling water ratio to suit individual palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy a personalized version of this festive beverage.

Cranberry Mojito Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Fresh Cranberries, Sugar, Water: Perfect base for creating a sweet and tangy cranberry simple syrup that adds depth to the cocktail.
Herb and Citrus:
  • Fresh Mint Leaves, Lime: Provide classic mojito freshness and bright citrus notes that balance the drink's sweetness.
Liquid Components:
  • White Rum, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Cranberry Simple Syrup: Core cocktail ingredients that blend to create a festive and balanced drink.
Finishing Touches:
  • Ice Cubes, Sparkling Water, Fresh Cranberries, Mint Sprigs: Add chill, dilution, and beautiful presentation to the mojito.

Cranberry Mojito Drink Directions

Step 1: Create Cranberry Simple Syrup

Combine cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat and simmer until cranberries burst and liquid turns deep red, about 10-15 minutes.

Mash cranberries gently with a wooden spoon to release more flavor.

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to extract all liquid.

Let the syrup cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Muddle Mint Leaves

Place mint leaves in a tall glass and gently muddle them using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.

Crushing the leaves releases their aromatic oils and enhances the mojito’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Citrus Elements

Squeeze fresh lime wedges directly into the glass with the muddled mint.

Drop the squeezed lime wedges into the glass for extra zesty notes.

Step 4: Pour Liquid Ingredients

Add these ingredients to the glass:
  • Cranberry simple syrup
  • Fresh lime juice
  • White rum
  • Cranberry juice

Step 5: Chill and Dilute

Fill the glass with ice cubes.

Top the drink with sparkling water or club soda, creating a light and refreshing texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Stir the cocktail gently to combine all ingredients.

Garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint sprig.

Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, tangy-sweet mojito.

Holiday Drink Ideas For Cranberry Mojito

  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries to create a vibrant, homemade syrup that intensifies the drink's fruity profile.
  • Adjust sugar in the simple syrup by tasting and adding more or less to match your preferred sweetness level.
  • Gently press mint leaves to release essential oils without crushing them completely, ensuring a fresh, aromatic flavor.
  • Use plenty of ice and serve immediately to keep the mojito cool and maintain its crisp, bright taste.
  • Swap white rum for a non-alcoholic version using sparkling water or add a splash of exotic fruit juice for a unique twist.

Reusing Cranberry Mojito Leftovers

  • Store leftover cranberry mojito in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the drink's vibrant flavors intact.
  • Keep simple syrup, mint leaves, and liquid base separately to maintain freshness and prevent mint from wilting.
  • Gently mix ingredients when ready to enjoy again, as natural separation may occur during storage.
  • Add new mint sprigs and cranberries when reheating to restore the drink's original visual appeal and fresh taste.

Cranberry Mojito Treat Pairings

  • Pair Zesty Citrus Cheese Plate: Create a vibrant appetizer board with tangy goat cheese, aged cheddar, and orange marmalade to complement the cocktail's bright cranberry and lime notes.
  • Enhance Mediterranean Seafood Tapas: Serve grilled shrimp skewers with herbed aioli that echoes the mojito's mint and citrus undertones, balancing the drink's sweet-tart profile.
  • Match Spicy Holiday Nibbles: Prepare cranberry-glazed meatballs or jalapeño poppers that mirror the cocktail's festive cranberry essence and provide a warming counterpoint to the cool, refreshing drink.
  • Explore Light Winter Dessert: Whip up a cranberry-orange sorbet or white chocolate mousse that harmonizes with the mojito's fruity and herbal elements, creating a delightful flavor connection.

Cranberry Mojito Holiday Drink Styles

  • Mocktail Magic: Replace rum with additional cranberry juice or sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Herbal Heaven: Swap mint leaves with rosemary or thyme for an aromatic herbal variation.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar in the simple syrup to reduce calorie content.
  • Festive Winter Warmer: Serve the cocktail heated with mulled spices like cinnamon and clove for a cozy cold-weather adaptation.

FAQs

  • How do I make the cranberry simple syrup?

Combine cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Boil for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and liquid thickens. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing cranberries to extract maximum flavor. Cool completely before using in the cocktail.

  • Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. They’ll create the same vibrant color and flavor as fresh cranberries. Just ensure they’re fully thawed before making the simple syrup.

  • What type of rum works best for this mojito?

White rum is ideal for this cocktail. Choose a light, smooth rum like Bacardi Superior or Havana Club Blanco. These rums blend seamlessly with the cranberry and mint flavors without overpowering the drink.

  • Is this cocktail strong or mild?

This mojito is moderately strong with 2 oz of white rum. The added cranberry juice and sparkling water help balance the alcohol, making it a refreshing drink that’s not too potent. The sweetness from the simple syrup also softens the rum’s intensity.

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Cranberry Mojito Recipe

Cranberry Mojito Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Festive winter cocktails find new life with this cranberry mojito, blending tart cranberry essence and refreshing mint. Caribbean rum and seasonal berries create a spirited celebration perfect for holiday gatherings where friends can enjoy a delightful twist on a classic drink.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces (60 ml) white rum
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) cranberry juice
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) cranberry simple syrup
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 lime, cut into wedges

Herbs and Flavoring:

  • 810 fresh mint leaves
  • Fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • Mint sprigs, for garnish

Mixers and Extras:

  • Ice cubes
  • Sparkling water or club soda, to top

Cranberry Simple Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant cranberry simple syrup by combining cranberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Crush the mixture with a wooden spoon, allowing the cranberries to break down and release their intense crimson color and tart essence.
  3. Continue cooking for approximately 10-12 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens, creating a rich, glossy syrup.
  4. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the solids to extract maximum flavor, then let the syrup cool completely.
  5. Select a tall glass and gently muddle fresh mint leaves with lime wedges to release their aromatic oils and create a fragrant base.
  6. Pour the homemade cranberry simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and white rum into the glass, stirring to combine the liquid components.
  7. Fill the glass with ice cubes, ensuring a crisp and chilled foundation for the cocktail.
  8. Top the mixture with cranberry juice and a splash of sparkling water, creating a effervescent and refreshing texture.
  9. Garnish the mojito with additional fresh cranberries and a delicate mint sprig, adding a visual and aromatic final touch.
  10. Serve immediately, inviting guests to enjoy this festive and vibrant cranberry-infused cocktail.

Notes

  • Opt for fresh cranberries when possible, as they provide a more vibrant flavor and texture to the simple syrup.
  • Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove cranberry solids, ensuring a smooth and clear mixer.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to suit personal taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute white rum with vodka or replace it with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic mocktail.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes (not including time for cranberry syrup)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cranberry syrup)
  • Category: Mocktails, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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