Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mocktails (Alcohol-Free Holiday Sips)

If you love the idea of a pretty holiday drink but don’t want the alcohol (or the headache), these sparkling cranberry orange mocktails are exactly what you need. They’re bubbly, jewel-toned, and just sweet-tart enough to feel special, without being fussy or complicated.

This recipe is made for people who want something festive to sip while cooking, hosting, or curling up on the couch after a long day. You can mix a small batch for a cozy movie night, or scale it up in minutes for a brunch or holiday gathering.

With bright cranberry, fresh orange, and a little sparkle from fizzy water or non-alcoholic sparkling juice, this mocktail feels like a tiny celebration in a glass. Think: cozy December evenings, twinkly lights, and a drink that looks like it came from your favorite café, but took you barely 10 minutes. 🍊🧡

Why You’ll Love These Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mocktails 💫

• 🥂 Alcohol-free & inclusive – Perfect for kids, pregnancy-safe, and great for guests who don’t drink.

• ⏱ Ready in 10 minutes – Simple ingredients you can grab from any grocery store.

• 🍊 Bright & refreshing – Cranberry and orange taste festive without being heavy.

• ✨ Beautiful for photos & parties – The color is stunning on a holiday table or brunch spread.

• 🧊 Easy to batch – Make one glass or fill a pitcher for a crowd with almost no extra effort.

Ingredients for Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mocktails 📝

You only need a few simple ingredients to build this cozy, sparkling drink.

Main Ingredients (per 2–3 servings)

• 1 cup 100% cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail, if possible)

• ½ cup orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed 🍊

• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or simple syrup, to taste

• 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)

• 1–1½ cups sparkling water, soda water, or non-alcoholic sparkling juice (like sparkling water with a hint of citrus)

• Ice cubes

Garnishes (Optional but Fun)

• Fresh orange slices or half-moons

• A handful of fresh cranberries

• Rosemary or mint sprigs for a cozy, green touch 🌿

• Orange zest curls (use a vegetable peeler)

Overhead view of cranberry juice, orange juice, sparkling water, fruit, and herbs arranged on a wooden counter for sparkling cranberry orange mocktails.

How to Make Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mocktails 👩‍🍳

1. Mix the base

1. In a small pitcher or mixing jug, combine:

   • Cranberry juice

   • Orange juice

   • Maple syrup or simple syrup

   • Lime juice, if using

2. Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust:

   • Add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.

   • Add a little extra lime if you like a brighter, more tart flavor.

2. Prepare the glasses

1. Fill 2–3 tall glasses halfway with ice cubes.

2. Add a few fresh cranberries and a slice of orange to each glass for color.

3. Add the sparkling element

1. Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the ice, filling each glass about halfway to two-thirds full.

2. Top with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling juice, pouring slowly so you don’t lose the bubbles.

3. Give each glass a gentle stir once, just to combine without flattening the fizz.

4. Garnish & serve

1. Garnish with an orange slice on the rim and a rosemary or mint sprig tucked into the glass.

2. Serve immediately while the mocktails are still bubbly and cold. ✨

Tips & Variations 🌿

• Make it extra cozy: Warm a small amount of the cranberry-orange base on the stove with a cinnamon stick, then cool it and use this spiced version for a deeper flavor.

• Lower sugar option: Use unsweetened cranberry juice and skip the syrup, or just add a tiny drizzle and rely on the orange juice for sweetness.

• Kid-friendly party pitcher: Mix a big batch of the juice base in a pitcher earlier in the day. Add sparkling water right before serving so it stays fizzy.

• Citrus swap: Try adding a splash of grapefruit juice or a squeeze of lemon if you like a more grown-up tartness.

• Holiday garnish: Thread cranberries and a tiny orange wedge onto a small cocktail stick for a cute “stir stick” topper.

Storage:

• Keep the juice base (cranberry, orange, sweetener, lime) in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed jar.

• Add sparkling water only when serving for the best bubbles.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

These sparkling cranberry orange mocktails fit into so many cozy moments:

• 🎄 Holiday dinners – Serve in simple glasses next to your roast chicken, creamy soups, or biscuit skillet dinners.

• 🧡 Girls’ night in – Pair with a snack board, baked brie, or Halloween brownie bites for a festive spread without alcohol.

• ☕ Brunch drinks – A lovely alternative to mimosas, especially if you have guests who are pregnant, driving, or just don’t want alcohol.

• 🎬 Cozy movie nights – Pour into stemless glasses, add extra ice, and sip while you watch fall or holiday movies.

Glasses of sparkling cranberry orange mocktails with ice, fruit, and rosemary on a wooden table in warm evening light.

FAQ: Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mocktails ❓

Can I make these mocktails ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the cranberry-orange base in advance and store it in the fridge. Add ice and sparkling water right before serving so your mocktails stay bubbly.

Can I use cranberry cocktail instead of 100% cranberry juice?

You can. Just reduce or skip the added sweetener (maple or simple syrup), since the cranberry cocktail is already sweetened. Taste and adjust as you go.

What can I use instead of sparkling water?

Try club soda, plain soda water, or an unsweetened sparkling flavored water (like orange or lime). Just keep it lightly flavored so it doesn’t overpower the cranberry and orange.

Are these safe for kids?

Yes! These sparkling cranberry orange mocktails are completely alcohol-free and kid-friendly. You can even let kids help add the garnishes and bubbles.

Cozy Final Sip 💛

These sparkling cranberry orange mocktails are one of those little rituals that make ordinary evenings feel just a bit more special. With a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful, bubbly drink that fits right into your cozy, realistic life, no fancy bar tools, no alcohol, just pure comfort and a tiny bit of sparkle.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it, brunch, movie night, or holiday dinner? Share in the comments, and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it whenever you need a cozy, alcohol-free sip. ✨🍊🥂