Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail Recipe

This Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail is a burst of bright, tangy citrus and deep, festive berry flavor — all in one gorgeous, fizzy glass. Whether you’re hosting brunch, creating a holiday drink for the whole family, or just treating yourself on a weekday afternoon, this mocktail is a showstopper that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful. The perfect balance of sweet, tart, and effervescent notes makes it a fast favorite, and you’ll love how simple it is to pull off, even on your busiest days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail has a special job, so don’t skip a thing. These are simple, everyday items, but together they make each sip pop with color and flavor.

• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor, delivering tang and brightness that set the tone for this mocktail.
• Cranberry juice: Opt for 100% juice if you can — it brings tartness and gorgeous color, perfectly balancing the orange juice.
• Maple syrup: This natural sweetener smooths out the flavors and adds a subtle, complex depth you just can’t get from plain sugar.
• Seltzer: The bubbles are what make this mocktail truly festive, adding lightness and a celebratory feel in every glass.
• Orange wheel: A simple garnish, but it adds zing and a colorful finish that makes your drink extra inviting.
• Fresh cranberries: Skewered on a cocktail pick, these are both adorable and a fun way to nod to what’s inside your glass.

How to Make Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail

Step 1: Prepare the Garnish

Before you dive into mixing, make your garnish. Skewer three fresh cranberries and an orange wheel onto a cocktail pick—this will sit beautifully across your glass. It’s a little extra pop of color and fun you’ll appreciate later!

Step 2: Add Orange Juice to the Shaker

Pour one ounce of your freshly squeezed orange juice into a cocktail shaker. Fresh juice makes all the difference here, so if you can, squeeze it yourself. That lively citrus scent will set the mood immediately.

Step 3: Add Cranberry Juice and Maple Syrup

Follow up with two ounces of cranberry juice and a half ounce of maple syrup. The deep red from the cranberry and the cozy sweetness of the maple syrup start to blend together, hinting at all the flavor to come.

Step 4: Shake with Ice

Add a handful of ice to your shaker. Shake it up vigorously about 10 to 15 times to chill the ingredients thoroughly and lightly blend the flavors. This step makes the mocktail crisp and lively!

Step 5: Strain and Top with Seltzer

Strain your beautiful mixture into a serving glass filled with fresh ice. Pour in a generous ounce of seltzer right over the top. The bubbles not only make it fun, but also soften and blend the flavors perfectly.

Step 6: Finish with Garnish and Serve

Tuck your prepared garnish across the rim of your glass, and serve your Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail immediately. Every sip is refreshing, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles.

How to Serve Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail

Garnishes

There’s something magical about the right garnish. For your Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail, an orange wheel and a trio of fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick are classic and striking. You can also add a sprig of mint for a fresh herbal note or use a sugared rim for sparkle and sweetness. These finishing touches make your drink look and feel like a special occasion every time.

Side Dishes

This vibrant mocktail pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes. Try serving it alongside brunch favorites like French toast, flaky croissants, or a fresh fruit salad. For party fare, offer light snacks like cheese boards, roasted nuts, or mini sandwiches. The bright flavors clear the palate, making everything taste even better.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! For parties, serve your Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail in pretty stemmed glasses or fun jars. You can use festive paper straws, colored sugar rims, or edible flowers. For a make-your-own mocktail bar, set out bowls of garnishes so guests can personalize their drinks and have a little fun mixing and matching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra mocktail (or want to prep ahead), store the juice and syrup mixture in a covered jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to two days. Don’t add seltzer until just before serving to keep things bubbly and fresh.

Freezing

Need to save some for later? You can freeze the base mixture in ice cube trays, then pop them out and store in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just place a few cubes in your glass, top with fresh seltzer, and let them melt into a perfectly chilled Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail.

Reheating

While this is a cold beverage, you can gently warm the juice and syrup mixture if you want a cozy cider-like spin. Heat gently in a saucepan until just warm (not boiling), then pour into mugs and top with a splash of seltzer for a unique, wintery twist.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh squeezed?

Absolutely! While fresh squeezed really pumps up the flavor and brightness, high-quality bottled orange juice will work in a pinch. Just be sure to pick one with no added sugar for the best balance.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or simple syrup are good alternatives. Each will bring its own subtle flavor note, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite.

How do I make a larger batch for parties?

Simply multiply the recipe by how many drinks you need, mix the juices and maple syrup in a pitcher, and keep it chilled. When serving, fill glasses with ice, pour in the mixture, and top each with seltzer individually so everything stays bubbly and fresh.

Can I make this a kid-friendly drink?

This Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail is already alcohol-free and utterly kid-approved! It’s a fantastic choice for family celebrations, baby showers, or any event where you want everyone to enjoy something special in their glass.

Is there a difference between seltzer, club soda, and sparkling water?

All three are fizzy and can work in this mocktail, but seltzer tends to have the cleanest taste without added sodium or minerals. Club soda is slightly saltier, and sparkling water sometimes has a more subtle fizz. Any will do, but seltzer keeps your flavors pure and crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fresh, bright, and seriously crowd-pleasing drink, give this Cranberry and Orange Juice Mocktail a go. It’s simple, beautiful, and always a hit with anyone who tries it. Pour a glass, add the garnish, and raise a toast to easy, joyful sipping!

Print