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Christmas Cranberry Cocktail

This festive Christmas cocktail is made with a homemade cinnamon syrup that pairs so well with the sweet and tart cranberry juice.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 222 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the cinnamon syrup
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For rimming the glass
  • 2 tablespoons cranberry juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the cocktail
  • ¼ cup cranberry juice
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur
  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce cinnamon simple syrup
  • 2 ounces sparkling water more to taste
  • rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions

To make the cinnamon syrup:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the sugar, water, and cinnamon to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes or until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
  4. Cool completely before using. Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To rim the glass:
  1. Pour cranberry juice onto a rimmed plate.
  2. Add the sugar and cinnamon onto a second plate and stir gently to combine.
  3. Dip the rim of the glass first in the cranberry juice and then in the cinnamon and sugar, rolling the rim of the glass through the sugar to coat.
To make the cocktail:
  1. In your cocktail shaker combine cranberry juice, orange liquor, vodka, and cinnamon syrup. Add ice and shake well to combine.
  2. Strain the mixture into your rimmed glass and top with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Notes

  • For a sweeter drink, you may use Sprite in place of the sparkling water. 
  • We like Cointreau or Grand Mariner for the orange liqueur, but you can use any brand you like. 
  • Our homemade cinnamon syrup is easy enough to make, but you can also purchase cinnamon syrup at many specialty stores or online. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cocktail Calories 222kcal (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cocktail

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cocktail
Calories 222kcal 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.