Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Highlighted under: Seasonal Spark Meals

A refreshing and festive drink perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration, combining the tartness of cranberries with the fizz of sparkling water.

Sandra

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2025-12-11T18:06:05.489Z

This Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is not just a drink; it's a celebration in a glass. The vibrant red color and refreshing taste make it a delightful addition to your holiday table, and it's so easy to prepare!

Reasons You'll Love This Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

  • Crisp and refreshing flavor that complements holiday meals
  • Easy to make with just a few ingredients
  • Beautiful presentation with a festive touch

The Perfect Holiday Beverage

The Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is an ideal drink to complement your holiday feast. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste bring a festive spirit to your table. This drink not only satisfies your taste buds but also acts as a palate cleanser between bites of rich holiday dishes. The combination of tart cranberry juice and sweet orange juice creates a harmonious balance that everyone will enjoy.

As a non-alcoholic option, this spritzer caters to all guests, making it a great choice for family gatherings and parties. Whether you're serving it at a Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday brunch, this spritzer will be a hit among guests of all ages. Plus, its simple preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of the Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a splash of simple syrup or adjusting the ratio of cranberry juice to orange juice. If you prefer a more zesty kick, a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can elevate the drink beautifully.

For those looking to incorporate a bit of fun, feel free to experiment with different garnishes. While fresh cranberries and mint leaves are recommended, you could also use slices of orange or even rosemary sprigs for a unique twist. This adaptability makes the spritzer not just a drink but a canvas for your creativity during the holiday season.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key when it comes to holiday drinks. To enhance the festive look of your Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer, consider serving it in elegant glasses or mason jars. You can also rim the glasses with sugar or a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for an extra special touch. Adding a few ice cubes made from cranberry juice can visually impress and keep your drink chilled longer.

Pair your spritzer with traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce to create a harmonious dining experience. The refreshing nature of the drink contrasts beautifully with heavier foods, making every sip a refreshing interlude. Don't forget to encourage your guests to toast with their glasses before digging into the feast!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cranberry juice, unsweetened
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Mix these ingredients for a refreshing drink!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your spritzer:

Mix the Juices

In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir gently to mix.

Add Sparkling Water

Slowly pour in the sparkling water to maintain the fizz. Stir gently.

Serve with Ice

Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour the cranberry mixture over the ice.

Garnish and Enjoy

Add fresh cranberries and mint leaves to each glass for garnish. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your refreshing Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer!

Storage Tips

If you prepare the cranberry spritzer in advance, it's essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and fizz. Keep any leftover mixture in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but note that the sparkling water may lose its effervescence over time. For the best experience, it's recommended to mix the sparkling water just before serving.

If you've made extra cranberry juice and orange juice mixture, you can store that separately and combine it with sparkling water when it's time to serve. This way, you can ensure that your guests enjoy the full fizzy experience of the spritzer.

Health Benefits of Cranberries

Cranberries are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system during the colder months. Additionally, cranberries are known for their potential health benefits, including promoting heart health and supporting urinary tract health.

Incorporating cranberry juice into your Thanksgiving celebrations allows you to enjoy a flavorful beverage while also reaping the nutritional benefits. With the added freshness of mint and the vitamins from orange juice, this spritzer is not just a drink; it's a healthy choice for your holiday festivities.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this spritzer ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the juices and refrigerate them. Add the sparkling water just before serving to keep it fizzy.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, this recipe is naturally non-alcoholic! It’s perfect for all ages.

→ Can I substitute the cranberry juice?

You can use any type of juice, but cranberry juice gives the best flavor for this festive drink.

→ What can I use instead of fresh cranberries?

You can use frozen cranberries or even pomegranate seeds for a similar effect.

Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

A refreshing and festive drink perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration, combining the tartness of cranberries with the fizz of sparkling water.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Sandra

Recipe Type: Seasonal Spark Meals

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cranberry juice, unsweetened
  2. 1 cup sparkling water
  3. 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  4. 1/4 cup orange juice
  5. Ice cubes
  6. Fresh mint leaves for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir gently to mix.

Step 02

Slowly pour in the sparkling water to maintain the fizz. Stir gently.

Step 03

Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour the cranberry mixture over the ice.

Step 04

Add fresh cranberries and mint leaves to each glass for garnish. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 0g