This cranberry vodka sour is such a fun cocktail! It features bright cranberry flavor with a tart vodka base, balanced with a kiss of sweetness and a beautiful and fun foam topper. It’s a stunning drink perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A cranberry vodka sour is one of those cocktails that feels both familiar yet exciting, making it easy to love. At its heart, it’s a simple sour – bright, tangy, and refreshing, but the cranberry brings a seasonal flair that works beautifully for fall and winter parties, as well as festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The balance of tart cranberry, citrusy lemon, and smooth vodka makes it both zesty and refreshing, while the touch of sweetness and foamy top rounds it out so it never feels too sharp.
You can serve it casually at a holiday get-together, or dress it up with a sugared rim and fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick for something more elegant. It’s a classic and timeless sour style cocktail with a modern, seasonal flavor, perfect sour lovers and those who want something fruity but not overly sweet.
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces vodka (plain or cranberry flavored)
- 1 ounce cranberry juice (100% or cocktail – see notes)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 ounce pasteurized egg whites
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I make this drink with Deep Eddy cranberry vodka since it adds flavor and color! Other brands (Absolut, Smirnoff, Boardroom, and Triple Eight) are fine as well. Since most are seasonal offerings, you can also use plain vodka (you may want to add an extra ½ ounce of cranberry juice for flavor/color though)
- If you prefer your drink more sour, use 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened). If you want to cut the sour bite a bit, use cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweetened). I use unsweetened and adjust with simple syrup (fresh cranberry juice is great, too)!
- Fresh lemon juice is truly best; you can use bottled in a pinch. Feel free to substitute lime juice as well for a different yet still delicious flavor combo!
- The simple syrup can be adjusted to taste (and based on which type of cranberry you use). You can also substitute honey or maple syrup if preferred
- For the egg whites, you can substitute aquafaba as a vegan alternative
- Mocktail version: Omit the vodka and use a zero proof version, or swap in apple or white grape juice instead!
Step By Step Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the egg white
- Dry shake (without ice) aggressively until foam forms, about 20-30 seconds. If you’re making several drinks, transfer to a larger cup (as pictured) and use an immersion blender and blend until foamy to save your arms! Note it will look opaque at first, but let it sit for a few minutes and it will separate out nicely
- Add a handful of ice and shake again until chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice (or a chilled coupe glass for an elegant feel)
- Garnish with a lemon slice (lime or an orange wheel work too) and fresh cranberries if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Appetizers
- Savory cheese boards with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar (cranberry cuts the richness beautifully). My Cranberry Baked Brie is the perfect centerpiece!
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon or figs for a sweet-and-salty balance
- Spiced nuts or rosemary focaccia to complement the cocktail’s tart citrus!
Main Dishes
- Roast turkey or chicken with herb seasoning; especially nice around the holidays. Try my Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin or Air Fryer Turkey Legs for some great options!
- Pork tenderloin or glazed ham, both of which pair well with cranberry flavors
- Salmon or trout with citrus glaze, enhancing the cocktail’s bright notes
Snacks & Party Bites
- Cranberry-glazed meatballs or cocktail sausages. Try my Air Fryer Little Smokies!
- Stuffed mushrooms with garlic and herbs
- Flatbreads topped with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and cranberries
Desserts
- Cranberry-orange bread or tart for a flavor echo. Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Bread is a delicious choice!
- White chocolate cheesecake, the sweetness balancing the tart cocktail!
- Dark chocolate truffles, where bitterness and richness contrast the sour’s zing
Seasonal Pairings
- Thanksgiving sides like cranberry relish or stuffing with dried fruits. Try my homemade Microwave Cranberry Sauce for an easy option
- A Christmas cookie spread – think shortbread, gingerbread, or biscotti. Make your own Air Fryer Biscotti!
- Sugared cranberries as both garnish and a sweet bite alongside the drink
Recipe FAQs
What Is Vodka Sour Made Of?
A vodka sour is typically made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Some versions include egg white for a silky texture and foamy top. Other flavorings and juices can be added for seasonality, like this cranberry variation.
What Liquor Is Used In A Sour?
Traditionally, sours are made with whiskey, but vodka, gin, tequila, and even amaretto can be used. The defining feature is the balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetener.
Is A Vodka Sour A Normal Drink?
Yes, it’s a classic cocktail variation, though whiskey sour is more common. The vodka sour offers a lighter, crisper alternative with less pronounced spirit flavor.
What Goes Best With Cranberry Vodka?
Cranberry vodka pairs well with citrus flavors like lemon, lime, or orange, herbs such as rosemary, and mixers like ginger beer or club soda. It’s especially refreshing in festive or holiday cocktails.
Tips For the Best Cranberry Vodka Sour
- A sour is naturally tart. If you want to reduce the bite, you can halve the lemon juice, use cranberry juice cocktail, and adjust the sweetener to taste as needed
- This drink is well balanced strength wise, but you can add more vodka for a stronger drink, or more cranberry juice to dilute it
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware: Serve in a coupe or rocks glass for a classy look, or in a stemless wine glass for a more casual vibe
- Ice: Use a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass for slow dilution, or serve shaken and strained into a coupe for elegance
- Holiday Styling: For a Christmas touch, garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a “holiday wreath” look
Final Thoughts
This cranberry vodka sour is the perfect tangy sip for those who like a little bit of sour flavor in their cocktails! Instead of the more traditional whiskey, this drink features cranberry vodka instead for a crisp, clean taste.
The addition of the egg white foam adds a lovely look for the perfect finishing touch to this seasonally inspired sip. It’s great for fall (including Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving), and even the holiday season with the beautiful cranberry color and flavor!
For more drinks to add to your lineup, check out all of my Vodka Cranberry Cocktails. Cheers!
Perfect Cranberry Vodka Sour Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Rocks glass (or a coupe)
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (plain or cranberry flavored)
- 1 ounce cranberry juice (100% or cocktail – see notes)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 ounce pasteurized egg whites
- Lemon slice & cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the egg white2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce cranberry juice, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce pasteurized egg whites
- Dry shake (without ice) aggressively until foam forms, about 20-30 seconds. If you’re making several drinks, I recommend transferring to a larger cup and using an immersion blender to blend until foamy to save your arms! Note it will look opaque at first, but let it sit for a few minutes and it will separate out nicely
- Add a handful of ice and shake again until chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice (or a chilled coupe glass for an elegant touch)
- Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh cranberries if desired. Enjoy!Lemon slice & cranberries for garnish
Notes
- I make this drink with Deep Eddy cranberry vodka for the flavor and color! Other brands (Absolut, Smirnoff, Boardroom, and Triple Eight) are fine too. Most are seasonal offerings, so you can also use plain vodka (you may want to add an extra ½ ounce of cranberry juice for flavor/color though)
- If you prefer your drink more sour, use 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened). If you want to cut the sour bite a bit, use cranberry juice cocktail (which is sweetened). I use unsweetened and adjust with simple syrup!
- Fresh lemon juice is truly best; you can use bottled in a pinch. Feel free to substitute lime juice as well for a different yet still delicious flavor combo!
- The simple syrup can be adjusted to taste (and based on which type of cranberry juice you use). You can also substitute honey or maple syrup if preferred
- For the egg whites, you can substitute aquafaba as a vegan alternative, or omit entirely
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
