This festive Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is a refreshing twist for the holidays! Lightly sweetened with a drizzle of honey and bursting with tart, fruity flavor from fresh cranberry purée, it’s the perfect drink for any holiday celebration.
When the festive season rolls around, I’m always experimenting with new cocktail ideas—something easy to make, beautifully seasonal, and perfect to share at family dinners or holiday parties. I love creating signature cocktails that set the tone for the gathering and inspire the rest of the menu.
This year, I decided to bring a little summer sparkle into the cozy fall and winter months. The result? A bright, bubbly cranberry spritzer that’s as pretty as it is delicious!
What Is a Spritzer?
A spritzer is a light and bubbly cocktail that dates back to mid-1800s Hungary. While there are a few different stories about its exact origin, one thing everyone agrees on is how refreshingly simple and delicious it is!
Traditionally, a spritzer blends white wine with carbonated water—like club soda, sparkling water, or even a splash of ginger ale. The result is a crisp, effervescent drink that’s perfect for sipping on any occasion.
But spritzers don’t have to be limited to white wine. You can easily switch things up with Prosecco, rosé, or even red wine for a richer twist. And if you’re in the mood for something stronger, try adding a splash of vodka, gin, or white rum for an extra kick.
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PrintThanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer
Bring sparkle to your holiday table with this Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda)
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup orange juice
Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
Orange slices, for garnish
Ice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Juices:
In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice. Stir well to mix.
Step 2 – Add Sparkle:
Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to keep the bubbles fresh.
Step 3 – Serve:
Fill glasses with ice and pour the cranberry spritzer over the top.
Step 4 – Garnish:
Add fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive, colorful touch.
Step 5 – Enjoy!
Sip, smile, and toast to a season full of gratitude and cheer!
Notes
For the best flavor, chill all ingredients before mixing. You can also rim your glasses with sugar and orange zest for an extra festive sparkle. Want a cocktail version? Add a splash of vodka or Prosecco just before serving!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz)
- Calories: ~95
- Sugar: ~19g
- Sodium: 12 mg
Ingredients
For the Spritzer
- 2 cups cranberry juice – choose 100% cranberry juice for a tangy, natural flavor or cranberry cocktail juice for a sweeter taste.
- 2 cups sparkling water or lemon-lime soda – sparkling water keeps it light and crisp; soda adds a hint of sweetness and fizz.
- 1 cup apple cider – gives the drink a cozy fall flavor; use fresh or unfiltered cider for the best result.
- 1/4 cup orange juice – adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the tart cranberries.
- Ice cubes – essential for serving the drink chilled and refreshing.
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended)
- Fresh cranberries 🍒 – float them on top for a festive, colorful look.
- Orange slices 🍊 – thinly sliced rounds or wedges add fragrance and a pop of color.
- Fresh mint leaves 🌿 (optional) – for a refreshing aroma and elegant touch.
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Base
In a large glass pitcher or drink dispenser, pour in the cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice. Use a long spoon to stir everything together until fully mixed. This will form the flavorful, fruity base of your spritzer.
Step 2 – Chill the Mixture
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and ensures your drink is nice and cold.
Step 3 – Add the Sparkle
When ready to serve, remove the pitcher from the fridge. Slowly pour in the sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda) and gently stir to combine. This keeps the carbonation lively without losing the bubbles.
Step 4 – Prepare the Glasses
Fill each glass halfway with ice cubes. This keeps your drink refreshing and helps maintain the fizz longer.
Step 5 – Pour and Garnish
Carefully pour the cranberry spritzer over the ice. Garnish each glass with a few fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and optionally, a small mint leaf for fragrance and color.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately while it’s bubbly and chilled. Each sip bursts with a mix of tart cranberry, crisp apple, and sweet citrus — a true taste of the holidays!
Discover the magic! Click here for our Witches’ Nightcap Cocktail, Mermaid’s Sparkle Punch, and Halloween Margaritas recipes
Pro Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer
- Chill Everything in Advance
Always refrigerate your juices and soda before mixing. A cold base means your spritzer stays fizzy and refreshing without needing too much ice. - Add Sparkle at the Last Minute
Pour in the sparkling water or lemon-lime soda just before serving to keep the bubbles crisp and lively. Mixing it too early will make the drink go flat. - Use Fresh, Quality Juices
The flavor of this cocktail depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Choose 100% pure cranberry and orange juice for the brightest, most natural taste. - Make It a Signature Cocktail
Want to give it a festive kick? Add a splash of vodka, gin, or Prosecco for a grown-up twist. It’s elegant, simple, and perfect for Thanksgiving toasts! - Garnish Like a Pro
Use fresh cranberries, orange slices, and mint leaves for a picture-perfect finish. For extra flair, freeze cranberries in ice cubes — they’ll look stunning and keep your drink cool. - Batch It for a Crowd
Hosting a big dinner? Double or triple the recipe! Keep the juice mix ready in the fridge, and add the sparkling water just before serving your guests. - Sweetness Control
Prefer a sweeter spritzer? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of honey or simple syrup to taste before adding the sparkling water.
If you love colorful holiday drinks, you’ll also enjoy my Festive Grinch Mimosa Recipe — a bright, bubbly green cocktail that brings a playful twist to any Christmas celebration!
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is more than just a festive drink — it’s a celebration in a glass! With its balance of tart cranberry, crisp apple, and bright citrus, this bubbly spritzer adds the perfect touch of sparkle to your holiday table. Whether you serve it as a refreshing mocktail or add a splash of vodka or Prosecco for a little holiday cheer, it’s guaranteed to impress every guest.
Simple to make, beautifully colorful, and full of seasonal flavor, this drink captures the cozy, joyful spirit of Thanksgiving. So raise a glass, make a toast, and enjoy the sweet sparkle of the holidays!