Looking for a classy, non-alcoholic drink for dry January? My cranberry and ginger beer mocktail has got you covered. It’s perfect for parties, and as you’re using cranberry juice, can be made any time of the year. Oh, and it only takes five minutes.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Cranberry and Ginger Beer Mocktail
This cranberry and ginger beer mocktail is perfect if you’re looking for an alternative to the usual alcoholic beverages, but don’t want to compromise on flavour or sophistication. Whether you’re catering for guests, don’t consume alcohol, or simply fancy giving up the booze (for one drink, at least!) — look no further.
The allure of this mocktail is in the combination of the tart cranberry juice and fizziness of the ginger beer. They’re both traditional festive flavours, the squeeze of lime juice adds added flavour. As you can see, the vibrant cranberry red already makes for a rather festive-looking concoction, but this recipe goes one step further with the edible-gold flaked rim.
Adding Alcohol
If you’re contemplating spiking your drink with alcohol for an added kick, gin or vodka would be awesome in this. Either way, it’s sure to go down well. If you’re serving a crowd, you can always make two pitchers — one non-alcoholic and the other with alcohol. Just be sure you can distinguish between the two!
So what alcohol will work? My 2 favourite here are vodka or gin. But you can please yourself.
Serving your Cranberry and Ginger Beer Mocktail
This mocktail wants to be served fresh so as to maintain its fizz. The ingredients can all be shop-bought and brought out when needed. If you want, you can complete the first few steps in advance, then all you need is to add the ginger beer and garnish at the last-minute.
You can serve your cranberry and ginger beer mocktail as you desire, and as is required for the occasion. Here are my suggestions:
- In elegant glasses for a festive, formal event. Choose your most sophisticated glasses, add the touch of gold rim, and you’ve got a classy drink. Perfect for a New Year’s toast.
- In a pitcher for a gathering. Combine the ingredients as described in the recipe. Then, throw in your mint leaves and cranberries. You can prepare the rims on your glasses in advance, and leave them out for guests to help themselves.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions: As mentioned above, spike 1 jug, and leave the other alcohol free. Mark the jugs, so the kids don’t get to the wrong one!
And that’s all there is to it, simple yet impressive.
If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise, cheers to a wonderful New Year! May 2025 bring you all that you hope for!
Lin xx
Cranberry and Ginger Beer Mocktail
Equipment
- cocktail shaker (or jug)
Ingredients
- 3 cranberries
- 2 mint leaves
- 1 squeeze lime juice
- 60 ml cranberry juice
- ice cubes
- 120 ml ginger beer or enough to top up
Garnish
- slice of lime
- edible gold glitter/flakes
- mint leaves
- cranberries
Instructions
- Muddle the cranberries, lime juice & 2 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker (or jug with the back of a spoon).
- Add cranberry juice and ice and shake.
- Run the spent lime around the rim of the glass.
- Coat the rim of the glass with gold glitter/flakes.
- Strain the cranberry juice mix into the glass and top with as much or as little of the ginger beer as you like.
- Garnish as desired — see the pictures for inspiration.
