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:
- 8–10 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
- Craft a vibrant cranberry simple syrup by combining cranberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Crush the mixture with a wooden spoon, allowing the cranberries to break down and release their intense crimson color and tart essence.
- Continue cooking for approximately 10-12 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens, creating a rich, glossy syrup.
- 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.
- Select a tall glass and gently muddle fresh mint leaves with lime wedges to release their aromatic oils and create a fragrant base.
- Pour the homemade cranberry simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and white rum into the glass, stirring to combine the liquid components.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, ensuring a crisp and chilled foundation for the cocktail.
- Top the mixture with cranberry juice and a splash of sparkling water, creating a effervescent and refreshing texture.
- Garnish the mojito with additional fresh cranberries and a delicate mint sprig, adding a visual and aromatic final touch.
- 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