Festive Cranberry Orange Cocktail for the Holidays

Bright, refreshing, and beautifully seasonal: this festive cranberry orange cocktail is the perfect way to add sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Made with smooth whiskey, citrusy orange liqueur, and tart cranberry juice, it delivers a balanced flavour that’s both lively and cozy – ideal for Christmas gatherings, winter parties, or simply enjoying a polished drink at home. With its ruby-red hue and aromatic garnishes, this festive cranberry orange cocktail feels special while remaining incredibly simple to shake together.

Hello everyone – I hope you all are doing well!

Today we’re mixing up something wonderfully bright and easy – a cheerful cocktail that brings together cranberry, orange, and a hint of warming whiskey. Thanks to its simplicity and striking appearance, it’s perfect for everything from relaxed evenings to full-on holiday entertaining, and it comes together in under a minute. So, let’s dive into, I mean, sip this Festive Cranberry Orange Cocktail!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Orange Cocktail

• Seasonal flavours: Cranberry and orange deliver classic holiday brightness in every sip.
• Perfectly balanced: A mix of tart, sweet, and warmly spiked notes creates a smooth, refreshing cocktail.
• Flexible spirits: Swap whiskey for bourbon, rum, or vodka and it still shines.
• Beautiful presentation: Garnishes like rosemary, cranberries, or orange slices make it holiday-ready.
• Effortlessly quick: Just shake, strain, and enjoy — no fuss, no syrups, no prep work.

Flavour Profile

This cocktail is refreshing yet cozy, combining crisp citrus with tart cranberry and the warming depth of whiskey. It’s light, aromatic, and holiday-forward without being overly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Festive Cranberry Orange Cocktail

To bring this festive cranberry orange cocktail to life, you only need a handful of simple ingredients.

• Whiskey: Adds warmth and depth, though rum, vodka, or bourbon work beautifully too.
• Orange liqueur: Cointreau brings bright citrus notes and smooth sweetness.
• Cranberry juice: Tart and vibrant, it gives the cocktail its festive colour.
• Orange bitters: Optional, but adds a lovely aromatic layer.
• Garnishes: A sprig of rosemary, fresh cranberries, or an orange twist elevate the presentation.

Possible Additions and Variations

You can add a splash of sparkling water or prosecco for a lighter, bubbly version. Try swapping whiskey for light rum for a sweeter winter profile, or add a dash of homemade rosemary syrup for a herbal twist. A sugar rim also gives it a fun, festive finish.

More Festive Cocktail Recipes

Are you looking for more fun holiday cocktail ideas, like this Festive Cranberry Orange Cocktail? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Cranberry and Rosemary Cocktail
• Creamy White Christmas Cocktail with Vanilla
• Festive Spruce Cocktail for the Holidays
• Festive Rosemary Orange Cocktail for the Holidays
• Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail

I hope you like this holiday cocktail idea, and you will give it a try soon. If you try it, please let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share your photos by adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Print

Festive Cranberry Orange Cocktail for the Holidays

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Holiday Drinks, Cocktails

Servings

1-2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

A festive cranberry orange cocktail with whiskey, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice – an easy holiday drink bursting with seasonal flavour.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 oz. whiskey (rum, vodka, or bourbon would work)

• 1 oz. orange liquor such as Cointreau

• 1 oz. cranberry juice

• few drops of orange bitters (optional)

• orange, cranberries, and rosemary for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Combine the whiskey, orange liquor, cranberry juice, and orange bitters (if using). If desired, add some ice. Shake for 15 seconds to blend, try, and adjust the taste if necessary. Enjoy!