Get festive this winter with these delicious and refreshing Cranberry Mojitos. Bright cranberry juice, fragrant rosemary simple syrup, fresh mint, lime, and white rum come together to create a vibrant holiday cocktail. The color and aroma make it an ideal choice for parties or a cozy night in.
Tis the Season for Cocktails
Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening with family, a thoughtfully prepared cocktail adds seasonal cheer. This cranberry mojito is a festive twist on a classic: the mint and lime keep it bright, while the cranberry juice and rosemary syrup add holiday flavor and festive color.
Jazz Up Drinks for the Holiday Season
You can easily adapt classic cocktail recipes for holiday events. For this cranberry mojito we made a few simple changes to bring seasonal notes and visual appeal. Here are some easy ways to elevate any drink for the holidays:
- Add classic holiday flavors: Think herbs and warming spices — rosemary, thyme, cloves, or star anise can be infused into syrups, infusions, or the drink itself to create a festive aroma and taste.
- Garnish generously: Green sprigs of rosemary or thyme, floating cranberries, pomegranate arils, or citrus slices make drinks look inviting and smell wonderful. Visuals matter—fresh garnishes instantly read as seasonal.
- Choose attractive glassware: The vessel sets the tone. For a special occasion, use your nicest glassware to elevate presentation.
- Scale up for a crowd: This recipe serves two but scales well into a punch. Multiply ingredients to suit your guest list and mix in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. Taste and adjust before serving.
Everything You Need to Know
How much alcohol is in a mojito?
A standard shot is 1.5 ounces. This recipe uses one shot per serving; since it makes two servings, the total alcohol called for is 3 ounces of rum.
How many tablespoons are in a shot?
1.5 ounces equals approximately 3 tablespoons, so tablespoons can be used if you don’t have a measuring jigger.
What is the difference between a mojito and a virgin mojito?
A classic mojito contains rum; a virgin mojito omits the alcohol and keeps the mint, lime, syrup, and sparkling water for a refreshing nonalcoholic version.
Which rum is best for mojitos?
White rum is traditional for mojitos because it is light and lets the other flavors shine.
What kind of mint is used?
Standard grocery-store fresh mint works well. If you want to experiment, try different mint varieties to subtly change the drink’s aroma and flavor.
How to Make a Cranberry Mojito
This cranberry mojito is quick to assemble. Make the rosemary simple syrup first, then muddle the mint with lime, add the remaining ingredients, shake, and top with sparkling water.
Simple Syrup
Prepare the rosemary simple syrup to add herbal depth. Combine equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan and add 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain out the rosemary. Tip: make a double batch and refrigerate the extra syrup for later cocktails or mocktails.
Mulling + Shaking
To build the cocktail, place fresh mint leaves and lime juice in a jar or cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint into the lime to release oils without pulverizing the leaves. Add the rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, white rum, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds to chill and combine the flavors. Divide ice between two glasses, strain the mixture into the glasses, and top each with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Holiday Cocktail Recipes
- Mulled Wine
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Spiked Apple Cider
Holiday Cranberry Mojito Recipe
Author: Linley Hanson
Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 10 mins • Total: 25 mins • Servings: 2
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Mojito Ingredients
- 6 large mint leaves
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup 100% cranberry juice
- 3 oz white rum (total, 1.5 oz per serving)
- 2 cups ice
- 1/4 cup plain sparkling water (to top each drink)
- Garnish: fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Make the rosemary simple syrup: combine honey, water, and rosemary in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out rosemary before using.
- Muddle mint and lime: place the mint leaves and lime juice in a mason jar or cocktail shaker. Gently muddle with the end of a wooden spoon or muddler until the mint is fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients: pour in the rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, and white rum. Add a handful of ice, secure the lid, and shake for 20–30 seconds to chill and combine.
- Serve: fill two glasses with ice. Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the glasses.
- Finish and garnish: top each glass with sparkling water, then garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh cranberries.
Tips & Notes
- Rosemary alternative: If you don’t have rosemary, use plain honey simple syrup or infuse the syrup with another herb such as thyme or a cinnamon stick for a different holiday profile.
- Mocktail version: Omit the rum and increase the sparkling water or add a splash of ginger ale for bubbly sweetness.
- Make ahead: Prepare the rosemary syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Scaling: To serve a crowd, multiply the ingredient amounts and mix in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. Add sparkling water just before serving to retain fizz.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 202 kcal • Protein: 0 g • Fat: 0 g • Fiber: 0 g • Sugar: 28 g. Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.