Spiced Cranberry Vodka Spritzer

The Spiced Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is a festive holiday cocktail that’s easy to make and packed with flavour.  It takes the classic cranberry and vodka spritzer and adds the spices to make for a warming and delicious cranberry drink.  Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the drink and you can easily scale it up to make for a party.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple and quick: This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or a swift evening drink.
• Versatile: It’s easy to adjust the sweetness or the strength of the alcohol to match your personal taste. You can also substitute the vodka for another type of alcohol, such as gin or rum, for a different flavor profile.
• Festive and aromatic: The combination of cranberries, spices, and rosemary not only gives the drink a vibrant, festive color but also an inviting, aromatic scent that fills your home with warmth during the holiday season.
• Great for parties: This refreshing cocktail is easily scalable, making it ideal for holiday parties or get-togethers. You can prepare a big batch in advance, freeing you up to enjoy the company of your guests then serve when the party is in full swing.

What is a Spritzer?

A Spritzer is a refreshing classic cocktail typically made from a combination of wine and sparkling water or club soda. Originally from Austria and Hungary, the Spritzer is a popular drink choice during the warmer months due to its light, invigorating qualities. 

The beauty of a Spritzer lies in its versatility; it can be easily customized with a variety of wines, flavors, fruits, or, in this case, vodka and seasonal spices to create a unique, flavorful beverage.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a vibrant, tangy flavor, but frozen ones can be used if fresh ones aren’t available, and they retain most of the nutrients.
• ¼ cup honey: Opt for raw, organic honey for a natural sweetening agent that also gives this cocktail a subtle, floral note.
• ½ cup water: A good-quality water, preferably filtered, is essential for any cocktail.
• 2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds: Cumin seeds add an earthy and aromatic note to the cocktail, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 4 cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks give a warm, sweet-spicy flavor that pairs well with the tartness of the cranberries.
• 3 cups unsweetened cranberry juice: Choose an unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of the cocktail and to maximize the cranberry flavor.
• 2 medium organic oranges, each cut into 8 wedges: Organic oranges, with their vibrant flavor and abundant juice, not only add a citrusy note to the cocktail but also serve as an attractive garnish.
• ½ cup vodka: Vodka provides the alcoholic base for this cocktail; choose a high-quality brand for a smoother finish.
• 3 cups sparkling water: Sparkling water adds a delightful fizz and lightness to the spritzer.

Optional Garnish:

• Additional cinnamon sticks: Aside from flavor, these can also be used to stir the cocktail and as a decorative garnish.
• 6 long rosemary sprigs, lower leaves removed and threaded with fresh cranberries: Rosemary not only enhances the flavor but also adds an eye-catching and festive touch to the presentation.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

Feel free to get creative and modify this vodka cranberry cocktail to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:

• Cranberries: If you don’t have cranberries on hand or wish to experiment with different flavors, cherries or pomegranate seeds could be an exciting alternative.
• Honey: If you’re vegan or simply prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave syrup can replace honey. You can also use a little simple syrup to sweeten this festive cocktail.
• Cumin seeds: If you’re not a fan of cumin’s earthy profile, cardamom seeds could offer a sweet-spicy twist.
• Cinnamon sticks: Ground cinnamon can be used if you don’t have cinnamon sticks, but adjust the quantity as its flavor is more concentrated.
• Vodka: You can easily substitute vodka with other spirits like gin or tequila for a spin on the flavor.
• Sparkling water: If you prefer a fruitier cocktail, consider swapping out sparkling water for a sparkling wine or even Prosecco.
• Additions: Add a kick of heat by infusing some red pepper flakes or ginger slices to the mix. For a refreshing twist, add a handful of fresh mint or basil leaves. Adding a splash of lime juice could also brighten up the cocktail. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own favorite flavors – part of the fun of cocktail-making is discovering new, delicious combinations!

Instructions

Combine cranberries, honey, water, cumin seeds, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan and heat on medium for 8-10 minutes until honey melts and spices release their aroma. Move mixture to a large glass bowl, add cranberry juice, orange wedges, and vodka. Refrigerate for hours to overnight. 

After chilling, squeeze juice from each orange wedge into the bowl and discard wedges. Strain mixture, discard solids. 

Prepare individual glasses with ice. Pour the cranberry juice mixture, filling about 1/3 of each glass. Complete the remaining space in each glass with sparkling water and mix. 

Sweeten with extra honey to taste. Decorate with cinnamon sticks or rosemary skewers. Serve immediately.

Recipe tips

• Mocktail version: For a mocktail version of this cranberry vodka cocktail with no alcohol, just leave out the vodka and you have a tasty punch recipe to serve at any party with kids.
• Frozen cocktail: If you want a frozen version of the drink, put everything into the blender with lots of ice and blend until the ice is crushed to a slushie style.  Garnish and serve.
• Boost the flavor: Consider using a spiced or flavored vodka to add an extra dimension to your cocktail. Alternatively, a splash of elderflower or a dash of bitters can add an unexpected twist.
• Experiment with herbs: While rosemary is a classic choice, other herbs like thyme or sage can also lend an interesting flavor profile to your spritzer.
• Use frozen fruit: Apart from cranberries, adding other frozen fruits like raspberries or blackberries can give a fruity twist to the drink, and they double as colorful ice cubes!
• Edible flowers for garnish: For a truly elegant touch, consider garnishing your spritzer with edible flowers. They add color and sophistication to the presentation.
• Make it a punch: If you’re hosting a large gathering, you can easily convert this recipe into a punch. Simply multiply the ingredients as needed and serve in a large punch bowl. Just remember to provide a ladle for easy self-serving.
• Control the sweetness: If you prefer your cocktail on the drier side, feel free to reduce the amount of honey. For a sweeter cocktail, consider adding a sweeter liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Chambord.

Recipe FAQ

What’s the best vodka to use?

In drinks with something strongly flavoured like cranberry, it can be the best bet to stick with plain and simple vodka.  That way, the flavours of the drink come together nicely.  Flavoured vodkas can be great for some drinks you want to think about the balance of what you are adding.  Sure, you could try cranberry vodka in this one but it could make the drink a little too berry flavoured.  So be crafty with your vodka experiments!

If in doubt, something like a standard red cap Smirnoff will work nicely

Should you use whole or ground spices?

Whole spices tend to be a little more expensive than their ground versions but there’s good reason to use them over the ground versions.  That’s because when it comes to making the drink after the chilling period, it is might easier to strain out the solid spices than ground ones.  And the little grounds in the drink are never the most pleasant!  That’s why those sticks and seeds are better than the near-powdered version most of us have on our spice rack.

Can you prepare the Spiced Cranberry Vodka Spritzer ahead of time?

Yes, this cocktail can easily be prepared ahead of time. You could prepare the cranberry mixture and let it infuse in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just ensure to add the sparkling water and garnishes just before serving, to keep it fresh and bubbly.

What kind of sweeteners can I use if I don’t have honey?

You can replace honey with other sweeteners such as agave syrup, maple syrup, or cane sugar. Keep in mind that each sweetener brings a slightly different flavor profile to the recipe.

Is it necessary to use fresh cranberries?

While fresh cranberries offer the best flavor, you can also use dried or frozen cranberries. If using dried cranberries, keep in mind they are usually sweeter, so you might want to adjust the amount of added sweetener.

If I don’t have a cocktail shaker, what else can I use?

If you do not have a cocktail shaker, you can use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will work equally well to combine the ingredients. Even a large pitcher and a long spoon would work if that’s what you have.

What are some non-alcoholic alternatives for vodka in this recipe?

For a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, you can substitute vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip or a simple mix of apple cider vinegar and water. Another option is a splash of cranberry or grape juice for some added flavor.