This fun holiday drink mixes vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of soda for a fizzy twist! It’s bright, festive, and perfect for cheer at any gathering.
Whenever I make this cocktail, it feels like magic in a glass. Don’t forget to add some festive ice cubes—because who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the base spirit of the cocktail. If you’re looking for a lighter flavor, consider using a flavored vodka, like vanilla or citrus. For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace vodka with additional soda or tonic water.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is ideal for balancing the sweetness of other ingredients. If unsweetened isn’t available, opt for a lightly sweetened version. For a twist, try pomegranate juice for a similar tartness.
Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, you can use orange juice or another citrus liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for added flavor complexity.
Simple Syrup: You can easily adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using agave syrup or honey. For a sugar-free option, try a sugar substitute like stevia.
How Do I Shake a Cocktail Like a Pro?
Shaking a cocktail is key to achieving the right chill and mix. It’s not just about combining ingredients; you also want to incorporate air for better texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Fill your shaker halfway with ice—this helps cool the drink effectively.
- Add your ingredients. Close the shaker tightly to avoid spills.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This will mix and chill everything nicely.
- Once done, strain the mixture into your glass over crushed ice to keep it frosty.
Trust me, mastering this technique makes your cocktails taste even better!
Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 0.5 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Crushed ice
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Sprig of rosemary, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare and serve. You’ll spend a couple of minutes gathering your ingredients and shaking them up, plus a few moments for garnishing, making it quick and festive for any holiday get-together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cocktail Shaker:
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This will help chill the ingredients as you mix them.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Close the shaker tightly, and get ready to shake!
3. Shake It Up:
Shake the shaker vigorously for about 15 seconds. This will combine all the flavors and cool down the mixture nicely.
4. Prepare the Glass:
Grab an old-fashioned glass and fill it with crushed ice. This will keep your drink nice and cold.
5. Strain and Pour:
Using a strainer, pour the shaken mixture over the crushed ice in the glass, ensuring you get all the good stuff in there!
6. Add Some Fizz:
Top your cocktail with club soda or sparkling water for that refreshing fizzy finish. Adjust the amount according to your taste!
7. Garnish Creatively:
Get fancy by threading fresh cranberries onto a skewer and placing it on top of the glass. This makes for a pretty presentation.
8. Add a Festive Touch:
Include a sprig of rosemary next to the cranberries for an aromatic, festive appeal. It not only looks good but smells great too!
9. Optional Snowy Effect:
If you want to make it extra special, lightly dust the cranberries and rosemary with powdered sugar to mimic a snowy look.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail immediately, and savor the refreshing, sweet-tart flavors as you celebrate the holidays!
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the vodka and triple sec with additional club soda or a flavored sparkling water. You can also add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Simple Syrup?
If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, honey or agave syrup can work well as alternatives. You can also dissolve sugar in a bit of warm water to create a quick syrup. Adjust the amount to fit your sweetness preference!
How to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice, simple syrup, or vodka in their original bottles in the fridge for up to a week. For fresh cranberries, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge; they can last for several weeks!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
While it’s best to serve this cocktail fresh, you can prepare the mixed ingredients (vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup) ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge and add the club soda and garnishes just before serving to maintain the fizz!
