When it comes to entertaining, particularly around the holidays, I want something festive, fun, but easy to make. This cranberry vodka fizz checks all the boxes! With just 3 ingredients and only about 5 minutes you’ll have a fizzy, fruity cocktail that’s sure to be a hit with guests.
A fizzis a cocktail made from a carbonated element, an alcohol (usually vodka or gin), and a juice of some sort. Of course, there are all sorts of variations of it, but that’s the base recipe that makes it a fizz.
This cranberry vodka fizz uses cranberry juice, vodka, and sparkling water for the bubbles! Of course, I’ll give you some variations and options for how to put your own unique spin on this classic cocktail.
One of the things I love most about a fizz is that you don’t need to be a professional mixologist to make one! Just a few simple ingredients, something to stir with, and a few minutes result in a vibrant, delicious cocktail that’s perfect for entertaining.
Plus, the cranberry flavor is just the right seasonal touch for Thanksgiving and Christmas alike, which are two of the biggest holidays for entertaining already!
Essential Ingredients
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces cranberry juice
2 ounces cranberry flavored sparkling water
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
If you can find cranberry vodka (such as Smirnoff or Deep Eddy) feel free to use that instead of regular! My liquor store does not carry it, so I used regular instead
You can swap cranberry juice cocktail in place of the 100% cranberry juice if you prefer a sweeter drink. Alternatively, add 1-2 Tbsp of simple syrup to your drink for sweetness
I’m using cranberry raspberry sparkling water. Cranberry lime is another great choice! You can also use other carbonated options, such as ginger ale, soda water, or another sparkling beverage
Variations
Gin. Swap the vodka for an equal amount of gin to create a cranberry gin fizz cocktail.
Cranberry Orange. Swap half the cranberry juice for orange juice and garnish with a slice of orange for a cranberry orange fizz variation
Mocktail. Omit the alcohol and combine cranberry juice with sparkling water over ice for a mocktail version
Herby. Add a sprig of rosemary to the glass as a garnish for a festive touch that also adds an herby flavor to the drink
Mixed Juice. Instead of 100% cranberry juice, use a mixed juice to create different profiles, such as cran-apple, cran-grape, cran-pineapple, cran-mango, cran-watermelon, and more!
Mixing Instructions
In a rocks glass or similar, combine the vodka and cranberry juice, stirring to mix well
Add ice cubes to fill the glass
Top with the sparkling water
Garnish with fresh cranberries or a slice of lime if desired
Food Pairings: Appetizers and Snacks
Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter with a selection of cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat cheese. Add some crackers, sliced baguette, and a drizzle of honey for an elegant pairing
Fruit Skewers: Serve fruit skewers with a mix of fresh berries, melon, and citrus segments. The fruity sweetness of the cocktail complements the natural sweetness of the fruits
Bruschetta: Prepare classic tomato and basil bruschetta or mix it up with variations like roasted red pepper or olive tapenade. The acidity of the bruschetta balances the cocktail’s flavors. Try my Air Fryer Bruschetta for an easy recipe!
Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs are a savory and creamy option that pairs wonderfully with this fruity cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail: Offer shrimp cocktail with a zesty cocktail sauce. The tangy and slightly spicy sauce contrasts with the cocktail’s sweetness.
Mini Quiches: Serve mini quiches with flavors like spinach and feta or bacon and cheddar. These savory bites complement the cocktail’s fruity notes. My Air Fryer Crustless Quiche with steak and spinach is a great choice!
Nuts and Olives: Create a snack mix with a combination of roasted nuts, such as almonds and cashews, and a variety of olives for a salty contrast. Air Fryer Honey Roasted Pecans with added sea salt are perfect for this!
Mini Sliders: If you’re serving the cocktail at a gathering, consider mini sliders with a range of toppings to satisfy hearty appetites. Any of my amazing Air Fryer Sliders Recipes would be great options!
Sushi Rolls: For a more adventurous pairing, sushi rolls with fresh fish and vegetables can complement the cocktail’s complexity
Caprese Skewers: Skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and refreshing option
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Cranberry Juice Cocktail Instead of Cranberry Juice?
Absolutely! You can use cranberry juice cocktail instead of cranberry juice for a sweeter variation. You could also add 1 Tbsp of prepared simple syrup to plain cranberry juice for a sweeter touch.
Feel free to use mixed berry juice as well, as cranberry combined with other fruits offers different variations.
Is Cranberry Vodka Fizz a Summer Drink Only?
No, Cranberry Vodka Fizz is not limited to summer. While its refreshing and fruity profile makes it a great choice for warm weather, you can enjoy it year-round.
It can be particularly delightful during the holiday season due to its vibrant red color and cranberry flavor, making it a festive option for gatherings.
Can I Prepare a Large Batch for a Party?
Certainly! You can scale up the recipe to make a large batch for parties and gatherings. Simply adjust the quantities of vodka, cranberry juice, and other ingredients accordingly.
You can also prepare a pitcher in advance and add the ice and sparkling water just before serving to keep it fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cocktail?
If you have leftover cranberry vodka fizz, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the container or pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent the carbonation from escaping. It’s best to consume it within a day or two for optimal freshness and fizziness.
For best results, do not store once ice and carbonated water have been added. Mix just the juice and vodka ahead of time, and store it up to 1 week, then add ice and water just before serving.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cocktail to My Liking?
To adjust the sweetness to your liking, you’ll want to add additional sweetener of your choice. Since this recipe uses 100% cranberry juice, it will be in its tartest state as written. Start with 1 Tbsp of sweetener and adjust to taste from there.
Common sweeteners include the use of cranberry cocktail instead of plain juice, or the addition of simple syrup, or natural sweetener like honey or agave.
What’s the Difference Between Cranberry Vodka Fizz and a Cosmopolitan?
While both the cranberry vodka fizz and the cosmopolitan use vodka and cranberry juice, the difference is in the other ingredient. A vodka fizz has a carbonated element, like sparkling water, whereas a cosmo uses triple sec, an orange liquor.
Additionally, a fizz is usually served in a rocks or Collins glass, whereas a cosmo is usually presented in a martini glass.
Recipe Pro Tips
Glassware. Serve in a rocks glass, Tom Collins glass, highball glass, or similar. For taller glasses, you may want to double the recipe
You may adjust the strength of this cocktail by adding more vodka, or more sparkling water, depending on whether you want it stronger or weaker
Storage Tips
You may mix the cranberry juice and vodka up to 1 week in advance and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Do not add ice or the sparkling water until you are ready to serve, to avoid dilution and loss of carbonation
If you do want to store it after, make sure to use a container that’s as airtight as possible, and consume within 24 hours for the best retention of fizziness
If you’re looking for a new cocktail to serve up for fall parties, Thanksgiving, and all around the holidays, then try this 5 minute cranberry vodka fizz! It’s simple to make and requires just 3 ingredients.
It’s even delicious and refreshing without the alcohol, so you can make a version for any of the kids and non-drinkers in attendance!
Make sure to check out my recipes for Watermelon Gin Fizz and Orange Strawberry Tequila Fizz for a different spin on the fizz cocktail. They’re great summer options in comparison to this fall/winter offering!
Easy Cranberry Vodka Fizz Cocktail
This simple cranberry vodka fizz cocktail has just 3 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to put together! It’s the perfect drink for fall and winter entertaining!
2Ouncescranberry sparkling water(such as La Croix razz-cranberry)
Ice cubes
Instructions
In a rocks glass or similar, combine the vodka and cranberry juice, stirring to mix well
2 Ounces vodka, 2 Ounces cranberry juice
Add ice cubes to fill the glass
Ice cubes
Top with the sparkling water
2 Ounces cranberry sparkling water
Garnish with fresh cranberries or a slice of lime if desired
Notes
If you can find cranberry vodka (such as Smirnoff or Deep Eddy) feel free to use that instead of regular! My liquor store does not carry it, so I use regular instead
You can swap cranberry juice cocktail in place of the 100% cranberry juice if you prefer a sweeter drink. Alternatively, add 1-2 Tbsp of simple syrup to your drink for sweetness
I’m using cranberry raspberry sparkling water. Cranberry lime is another great choice! You can also use other carbonated options, such as ginger ale, soda water, or another sparkling beverage
Glassware. Serve in a rocks glass, Tom Collins glass, highball glass, or similar. For taller glasses, you may want to double the recipe
You may adjust the strength of this cocktail by adding more vodka, or more sparkling water, depending on whether you want it stronger or weaker
You may mix the cranberry juice and vodka up to 1 week in advance and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Do not add ice or the sparkling water until you are ready to serve, to avoid dilution and loss of carbonation
If you do want to store it after, make sure to use a container that’s as airtight as possible, and consume within 24 hours for the best retention of fizziness
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
