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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A fizz is a classic 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 to this festive drink for Thanksgiving and Christmas alike, which are two of the biggest holidays for entertaining already! For more great options, make sure to check out all of my Cranberry Vodka Drinks.
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Cranberry Vodka Fizz Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz cranberry flavored sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- If you can find cranberry vodka (such as Smirnoff or Deep Eddy) it’s an excellent choice here instead of regular! It’s seasonal to find though, so plan is absolutely fine too – use a quality option like Grey Goose or Tito’s for a nice clean flavor
- 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. Try a mixed berry juice to create different flavor combinations!
- 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, club soda, 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!
How to Make a Cranberry Vodka Fizz
- 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
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 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 liqueur.
Additionally, a fizz is usually served in a rocks or Collins glass, whereas a cosmo is usually presented in a martini glass.
Tips For the Best Cranberry Vodka Fizz
- 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
- To adjust the sweetness, simply add additional sweetener of your choice (such as simple syrup, honey, or agave). Since this recipe uses 100% cranberry juice, it will be in its tartest state as written. Start with ½ ounce of sweetener and adjust to taste from there
- Add some frozen cranberries to your glass in place of some of the ice for a festive touch that also keeps the drink cool with less dilution!
Storage and Serving 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 leftovers, make sure to use a container that’s as airtight as possible, and consume within 24 hours for the best retention of fizziness
- Garnishes are optional, but you can try a skewer of cranberries, lime wedge or wheel, or a rosemary sprig for a festive touch!
More Cranberry Recipes
Final Thoughts
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!
Katie’s Tip
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
Equipment
- Measuring cup (liquid)
- Rocks glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces vodka
- 2 Ounces cranberry juice (100%)
- 2 Ounces cranberry 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 well2 Ounces vodka, 2 Ounces cranberry juice
- Add ice cubes to fill the glassIce cubes
- Top with the sparkling water2 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 for more flavor!
- 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
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
