Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Ale Recipe (2024)

December 19, 2023December 22, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, everyone looks forward to festive drinks that embody the spirit of celebration. This Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Ale recipe is a perfect holiday co*cktail, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty kick of ginger. It’s an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, providing a refreshing and homemade alternative to commercial versions. Let’s explore how to make this delightful drink, perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or any festive occasion.

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Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• Sugar
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Optional: Lime slices, cinnamon stick, and orange slices for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Homemade Ginger Water

1. Boil Ginger: In a saucepan, boil 1/2 cup of peeled and chopped fresh ginger in 1 cup of water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes to extract the strong ginger flavor, then strain to remove the ginger pieces. This homemade ginger syrup adds a unique, zesty taste that is far superior to store-bought ginger ale.

Making Cranberry Simple Syrup

2. Cook Cranberries: In another saucepan, boil 1 cup of fresh cranberries in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. As the cranberries cook, stir and burst them to release their tart cranberry juice.
3. Create Simple Syrup: Strain the cranberry mixture, returning the juice to the stove. Add 1 cup of sugar and boil until a syrupy consistency forms. This cranberry simple syrup brings a festive sweetness and a vibrant red color to the drink.

Assembling the Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Ale

4. Mix and Serve: In a large pitcher or mason jars, mix 1/2 cup of ginger syrup with 1/2 cup of cranberry syrup. Add 1/2 cup of club soda or sparkling water and ice to create a fizzy drink. For a large punch bowl, simply multiply the quantities as needed.

Garnishing Your Drink

• Add Citrus and Spice: Enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of fresh lime, lime wedges, or orange slices to each glass. A cinnamon stick can also be added for a little bit of warm spice.
• Presentation: Serve in festive mason jars or elegant glasses, garnished with lime or orange slices for that extra holiday touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Parties: This cranberry ginger fizz is the perfect addition to holiday parties, serving as a delightful mocktail or a base for a fruit punch.
• Versatility: It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste. Add a little more ginger syrup for a stronger flavor or more cranberry syrup for extra sweetness.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like cinnamon sticks or a sprig of mint for a festive twist.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Homemade Goodness: Making your own ginger ale and cranberry syrup ensures natural ingredients and flavors, giving you a healthier and more delicious mocktail.
• Festive and Fun: The mix of cranberry and ginger offers a great flavor that’s both refreshing and suitably festive for holiday gatherings.
• Perfect for Everyone: It’s an ideal drink for everyone at your holiday party, including those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

The Bottom Line

This Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Ale recipe is not only a refreshing drink but also a beautiful addition to your holiday festivities. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great way to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a delicious mocktail, a base for more complex fruit punches, or just a festive drink to enjoy at your holiday party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect blend of tart cranberry juice, homemade ginger ale, and the fizz of sparkling water for a drink that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to drink. Happy holidays!