A holiday mocktail is just what you need to brighten up your festive celebrations. With all the hustle and bustle during the holidays, it’s nice to have a drink that everyone can enjoy without any stress.
Solves the brunch planning hassle by offering a quick, light sparkling option using pantry staples and a flexible non alcoholic version for guests.

I know how hard it can be to find a fun drink that fits everyone’s needs. That’s why I love this recipe! It’s simple, refreshing, and doesn’t take much time at all. Plus, I know my family appreciates a non-alcoholic option, especially during our get-togethers.
This holiday mocktail is quick to prepare, taking only about five minutes from start to finish. The sweet, tangy flavors of cranberry and orange come together beautifully, making it feel special without being too complicated. You can whip it up easily, even when you’ve got a million things on your mind.
If you want to add a fun twist, try making a batch of Margarita Mocktail for the kids too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor This drink has a superb blend of sweet and tangy notes thanks to the fresh orange juice and cranberry juice. It’s fruity and festive, making it perfect for holidays.
- Simple Preparation You can whip this up in under five minutes, which is a huge plus during busy holiday seasons. It’s quick and easy, but feels special.
- Textural Fun The bubbles from the sparkling apple cider give it a lively fizz, while the sugared rim adds a nice crunch. Each sip is playful and enjoyable.
- Storage Flexibility While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep it a few hours in advance without the garnishes. This means you can plan ahead for your holiday celebrations.
Festive Orange Cranberry Mimosa
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 mocktail 1x
- Category: beverage
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: vegan, gluten free
Description
A refreshing and festive Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 oz cold sweetened cranberry juice
- 2 oz cold sparkling apple cider
- orange slice and sugar for the sugared rim
- fresh cranberries
- cinnamon stick
- rosemary sprig for garnish
- pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glasses: Start by getting your glasses ready. Wet the rims with fresh orange juice, making sure there’s enough moisture to help the sugar stick. Be careful not to skip the wetting step, or the sugar will not adhere properly.
- Dip in Sugar: Dip the wet rims into sugar. You will see it clinging beautifully as the glass gets a sparkling edge. If you see gaps where the sugar has not stuck, re-wet those spots and try again.
- Mix the Juice: Blend your freshly squeezed orange juice with cranberry juice in a pitcher. Give it a gentle stir, and do not overmix, or you might lose the nice layering effect when pouring!
- Pour in the Cider: Pour sparkling cider into the juice mixture. As you pour, listen for that satisfying fizz. Be gentle here; pouring too quickly might make it go flat.
- Add Garnishes: Finally, pop in your garnishes. Fresh cranberries and rosemary not only look festive but add a wonderful aroma. Choose sturdier garnishes to keep them from sinking; you want them to stand tall in your mocktail!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be made a few hours ahead if stored without garnishes.
- Expert Tips: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Prepare garnishes in advance to save time.
- If the sugar rim is not sticking, ensure you moisten the glass rim thoroughly with juice before dipping it in sugar.
- For a good fizz, check that the sparkling cider is chilled and pour gently to keep the bubbles intact.
- For sturdier garnishes, rosemary works well to prevent them from getting lost in the drink.
- Reheating Instructions: Not applicable since this is a cold mocktail.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with cranberry pancakes for breakfast.
- Serve alongside holiday appetizers at a party.
- Enjoy with Christmas cookies for a sweet treat.
- Recipe Variations: Add a splash of vodka for an adult version.
- Substitute cranberry juice with pomegranate juice.
- Mix in some ginger ale for a spiced flavor.
- Ingredient Notes: Ensure to use fresh orange juice for better flavor over bottled options.
- You can substitute sparkling apple cider with champagne or prosecco for an alcoholic version.
- For a fresher citrus flavor, use 7-up or Sprite instead of sparkling apple cider.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mocktail
- Calories: 69
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/holiday-mocktail

Recipe Tips
- If the sugar rim isn’t sticking, make sure to moisten the glass rim thoroughly with juice before dipping it in the sugar.
- When you want a good fizz, check that the sparkling cider is chilled and pour it gently to keep the bubbles intact.
- For sturdier garnishes, rosemary works well; it helps prevent them from getting lost in the drink.
- If you’re short on time, prepping the garnishes ahead will save you a few minutes when guests arrive.
- For a fresh taste, freshly squeezed orange juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled options.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this holiday mocktail with cranberry pancakes at breakfast or serve alongside holiday appetizers at a party. Enjoy it with Christmas cookies for a sweet treat that complements the flavors.
This festive drink can also be used in recipes like punch bowls or festive cocktails for gatherings. Mix it into a refreshing slush for additional holiday fun.
Add a splash of soda water for a bubbly finish or garnish with fresh orange slices for a bright touch. Consider serving it with mint leaves for an extra layer of freshness.
Recipe variations
- You can use apple juice instead of cranberry juice for a sweeter and fruitier profile.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon of ginger for a unique flavor twist.
- Either garnish with a slice of lime or use a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
- You can scale the recipe up by using 4 oz of orange juice, 8 oz of cranberry juice, and 8 oz of sparkling apple cider for a larger batch.
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How to Store?
To keep your holiday mocktail fresh, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Serve immediately after mixing. If needed, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration: For shorter periods, refrigerate the mixed drink in an airtight container for up to 4 hours.
Freezing: If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the juices in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw cubes in the refrigerator before serving.
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