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Festive Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail: Easy 5-Minute Recipe

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A quick and easy mocktail made with cranberry juice, sparkling water, fresh rosemary, and lime. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this festive drink comes together in under 5 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or club soda
  • 4–6 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) simple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cranberries, thin orange slices, cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare your glasses: Fill each highball glass about halfway with ice. Use large cubes if possible to slow melting.
  2. Bruise the rosemary: Take one rosemary sprig per glass and roll it gently between your palms for about 10 seconds, then lightly slap it against your palm once or twice to release the oils.
  3. Add the rosemary and citrus: Place one bruised rosemary sprig into each glass. Add a thin slice of lime or orange against the inside of the glass.
  4. Mix the base: In a small pitcher or measuring cup, combine the cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. If using simple syrup or honey, stir it in until fully dissolved. If using honey, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds to help it mix.
  5. Pour the base: Divide the cranberry mixture evenly among the glasses, filling them about one-third full (about 1/3 cup or 80 ml per glass for a standard 12-ounce highball).
  6. Top with sparkling water: Gently pour the sparkling water into each glass, filling to the top. Stir once gently with a long spoon or chopstick to preserve carbonation.
  7. Garnish and serve: Drop a few fresh cranberries into each glass. Add a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Bruise the rosemary gently to release oils without crushing. Do not leave rosemary in the drink for more than 20 minutes to avoid bitterness. Keep sparkling water cold until pouring to preserve bubbles. For a party, mix the cranberry-lime base up to 24 hours ahead and add ice, rosemary, and sparkling water just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry mocktail, holiday drink, non-alcoholic, festive, 5-minute recipe, rosemary, sparkling

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/festive-sparkling-cranberry-mocktail-easy-5-minute-recipe/