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Cranberry Orange Smash Mocktail Recipe

Cranberry Orange Smash Mocktail Recipe

By What’s Baking

A vibrant, tangy fusion of fresh cranberries and citrus that balances sweet and tart notes for a refreshing, party-perfect mocktail.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 mocktail
An overhead shot of a crystal rocks glass filled with crushed ice and a ruby-red Cranberry Orange Smash Mocktail. The drink catches bright natural light, highlighting the vibrant gradient from deep crimson at the bottom to lighter orange-red at the top. Fresh cranberries float on the surface alongside a twisted orange peel garnish and sprigs of rosemary that add a contrasting forest green. Condensation beads on the glass's exterior, suggesting refreshing coldness. The mocktail sits on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs surrounding it, creating a festive holiday atmosphere.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium orange, cut into quarters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml cranberry juice (unsweetened)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml maple syrup (or simple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sprig rosemary (plus extra for garnish)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes or crushed ice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel twist for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Add the fresh cranberries, two orange quarters (squeezed to release juice), and rosemary sprig to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle until cranberries are crushed and release their juices, but not completely pulverized. The goal is to extract the essential oils and flavors while maintaining some texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup to the shaker. Fill halfway with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This aeration and dilution are crucial for balancing the tart cranberry flavor with the sweet and citrus elements.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill your rocks glass with fresh ice (crushed ice works beautifully and creates a more festive look). Fine-strain the mixture into the glass to catch the cranberry solids and rosemary leaves while allowing the vibrant red liquid to pour through.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Top with sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to integrate flavors without losing the effervescence that lifts the drink's aroma.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Garnish with fresh cranberries, a fresh rosemary sprig, and an orange peel twist. For extra aromatics, gently express the orange peel's oils over the surface of the drink by giving it a quick twist before placing it on the glass. The essential oils will create a delicate citrus aroma that enhances each sip.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 mocktail
🔥 Calories: 110 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 27 g
🍭 Sugar: 22 g
🍗 Protein: 1 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 10 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I prepare this cranberry mocktail in advance for parties?

Yes! Prepare the base mixture (cranberry, orange, juices and syrup) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. When serving, simply strain into glasses, add fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Add garnishes just before serving to maintain their freshness.

What's the best technique for muddling cranberries in a mocktail?

Gently crush cranberries just until they burst and release juices, but aren't completely pulverised. Use a wooden muddler with a flat end, applying moderate pressure with a twisting motion. This extracts flavour while maintaining some texture for the perfect balance.

Is there a way to make this festive drink less tart?

Absolutely! Increase the maple syrup to 30ml for more sweetness, use sweetened cranberry juice instead of unsweetened, or add 15ml of orange juice. You could also substitute some cranberries with raspberries for a milder tartness while maintaining the beautiful ruby colour.

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