This Cranberry Gin Fizz is a fun and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any celebration. With tangy cranberry juice and bubbly soda, it’s a fizzy delight!
Pour it over ice, and I love watching the pretty colors mix in my glass. It’s a real showstopper! 🍹 Perfect for sipping on sunny afternoons or festive gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: A quality gin is essential for this drink. I love using a botanical gin as it adds extra flavor. If gin isn’t your thing, vodka can be a great substitute for a smoother taste.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice gives the drink a fresh taste. If you want a sweeter version, you can use cranberry cocktail juice, but adjust the simple syrup accordingly.
Simple Syrup: This sweetener balances the tartness of cranberry and lime. You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water or use honey or agave syrup for a different twist.
Club Soda: For that fizzy finish, club soda is ideal, but sparkling water works too. For a fruitier flair, flavored sparkling waters can add a nice touch.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cranberry Gin Fizz?
The key to this drink is balancing sweetness and tartness. Start by adding ice to your cocktail shaker, it’s important to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Measure and pour your gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake it well for about 15 seconds. This ensures all ingredients blend nicely.
- After shaking, strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps your drink cold without diluting it.
- Finally, top with club soda. This adds that refreshing fizz we love!
Garnishing is also important; fresh cranberries look beautiful, and a sprig of rosemary adds elegance. Enjoy your drink responsibly!
How to Make Cranberry Gin Fizz
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top off
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Lime twist or slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cranberry Gin Fizz takes about 5 minutes to prepare! It’s a quick and simple cocktail that’s perfect for when you want something refreshing without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Shaker:
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will chill your drink as you mix the ingredients together and keep it refreshing.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Pour in 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of cranberry juice, 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup into the shaker. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to adjust the simple syrup to suit your taste!
3. Shake It Up:
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want it to be well chilled and mixed, so have fun with it!
4. Transfer to a Glass:
Grab a glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes. Carefully strain the delicious mixture from your shaker into the glass over the ice. This helps keep the drink cold without watering it down!
5. Add Some Fizz:
Next, top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water, giving it that lovely fizzy effect. You can adjust the amount based on how fizzy you like your drinks!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, add some flair with garnishes. Toss in a few fresh cranberries, and add a twist or slice of lime on the rim of the glass. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of rosemary makes for a beautiful garnish too!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Cranberry Gin Fizz with friends or on a lovely solo evening. Cheers!
Can I Substitute the Gin?
Absolutely! If gin isn’t your preference, vodka works wonderfully as a substitute. It will give you a smoother taste while still allowing the cranberry and lime flavors to shine through.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the drink too sweet or not sweet enough, feel free to adjust the simple syrup to your liking. Start with less and add more as needed to achieve your desired taste.
Can I Make This Drink Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare cocktails like this just before serving to maintain the fizz. However, you can mix the gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add ice and top with club soda right before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice in the fridge in a sealed container for several days. Keep simple syrup in the fridge as well, and it should last for about a month. Just remember to shake it well before using! Fresh garnishes like lime and rosemary should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days for the best flavor.
