The Festive Sparkle Cranberry Mocktail
This mocktail recipe took me a few attempts to perfect! I'm all about less processed ingredients and I tried to create drinks at home that are both delicious and nourishing. I always want to create something special for celebrations that won't leave me feeling sluggish or compromise my wellness goals. As we're in the festive season, this gorgeous cranberry mocktail is my go-to recipe for feeling included in celebrations while honouring my body!
Whether you're hosting Christmas lunch, a summer gathering, or just want something special to sip on, this mocktail delivers all the festive vibes without the alcohol. Plus, it's so easy to make in big batches for guests!
A bit of education about the ingredients in this mocktail:
Cranberry Juice - Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C to support immune health during the busy festive season. Choose low-sugar varieties to keep it clean!
Apple Cider/Juice - Provides natural sweetness plus beneficial plant compounds. The pectin in apples supports digestive health.
Fresh Mint - Not just for flavour! Mint aids digestion and adds a refreshing, cooling element perfect for warm weather celebrations.
Lime Juice - Rich in vitamin C for immune support and adds that bright, tangy balance to sweet flavours.
Maple Syrup - A natural sweetener that provides trace minerals, unlike refined sugar. You can also use monk fruit syrup for a low-sugar option.
Optional Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds that little 'bite' you might miss from alcohol while supporting gut health and digestion.
No refined sugars needed - Keep this mocktail clean by using natural sweeteners and choosing low-sugar juices.
Perfect for everyone - This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made low-sugar for various dietary needs!
CLEAN INGREDIENTS (Australian Measurements) (Choose organic when possible)
For One Mocktail: – 6 fresh mint leaves – 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (or monk fruit syrup for low-sugar) – 60ml cranberry juice (choose low-sugar if preferred) – 30ml apple cider or apple juice – 15ml fresh lime juice – Sparkling water or ginger beer to top – Small splash of apple cider vinegar (optional - adds a gentle 'bite') – Pinch of icing sugar for garnish (optional - for snow effect)
Beautiful Garnishes: – Fresh cranberries – Mint sprigs – Lime slices or wheels – Ice
METHOD
Wake up your mint - Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their gorgeous oils. Add to your cocktail shaker with maple syrup.
Muddle gently - Using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, press down gently a couple of times. You just want to bruise the mint slightly, not destroy it!
Add the magic - Pour in lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple cider with a handful of ice. If using apple cider vinegar, add just a tiny splash now.
Shake it up - Seal your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and sparkle - Strain into a beautiful glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer depending on your mood.
Make it gorgeous - Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprig of mint, and lime. For that festive snow effect, lightly dust with icing sugar if desired.
CLEAN INGREDIENTS (Choose organic when possible)
For One Mocktail:
– 6 fresh mint leaves
– 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (or monk fruit syrup for low-sugar)
– 60ml cranberry juice (choose low-sugar if preferred)
– 30ml apple cider or apple juice
– 15ml fresh lime juice
– Sparkling water or ginger beer to top
– Small splash of apple cider vinegar (optional - adds a gentle 'bite')
– Pinch of icing sugar for garnish (optional - for snow effect)
Beautiful Garnishes:
– Fresh cranberries
– Mint sprigs
– Lime slices or wheels
– Ice
METHOD
Wake up your mint - Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release their gorgeous oils. Add to your cocktail shaker with maple syrup.
Muddle gently - Using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, press down gently a couple of times. You just want to bruise the mint slightly, not destroy it!
Add the magic - Pour in lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple cider with a handful of ice. If using apple cider vinegar, add just a tiny splash now.
Shake it up - Seal your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and sparkle - Strain into a beautiful glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer depending on your mood.
Make it gorgeous - Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprig of mint, and lime. For that festive snow effect, lightly dust with icing sugar if desired.
PRO TIPS
Make a big batch for parties! Just multiply the recipe and mix in a jug, adding sparkling water when serving
Try non-alcoholic sparkling wine instead of sparkling water for a more sophisticated vibe
Start with just a tiny splash of ACV - it's strong! You can always add more
Skip the icing sugar garnish if you're watching sugar intake
Use frozen cranberries as ice cubes - they look stunning and keep drinks cold!
VARIATIONS
Tropical Twist: Swap apple juice for pineapple juice
Berry Blast: Add fresh or frozen mixed berries
Ginger Spice: Use ginger beer instead of sparkling water
Citrus Fresh: Add a splash of orange juice
BATCH RECIPE (Serves 8)
480ml cranberry juice
240ml apple cider
120ml lime juice
8 teaspoons maple syrup
48 mint leaves (muddled)
Sparkling water or ginger beer to top each glass
Mix all ingredients except sparkling water in a large jug, refrigerate, and add bubbles when serving!
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, 250ml)
Energy: 275 kJ (66 kcal)
Protein: 1 g
Carbs: 17 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Fibre: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g
