Cranberry Lime Spritzer (5-Minute Recipe)
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Cranberry lime spritzer is about to be your new go-to if you like drinks that look as good as they taste. It comes together with 4 simple ingredients plus ice in about 5 minutes. The deep cranberry color looks striking in a clear glass, especially with ice, fresh cranberries, or a few mint leaves on top.
Since it’s completely alcohol free, this spritzer works for everyone from kids to adults, which makes it an easy choice for family gatherings. Pour it for holidays, weekend brunch, casual parties, or a quiet night at home. You can even prep it ahead of time to avoid any last minute stress, just m cranberry and lime base and chill it, then add the sparkling water right before you pour.
How to Make Cranberry Lime Spritzer
You’ll be surprised how fast this cranberry lime mocktail comes together. Just stir the cranberry and lime base, pour in something bubbly, add ice and a simple garnish, and it’s ready to serve.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cranberry juice: Go for 100% cranberry juice. It is less sugary, has a brighter color, and lets you control the sweetness to taste.
- Carbonated water: Club soda or sparkling water both work nicely.
- Simple syrup: Any simple syrup works, including sugar free if you prefer.
- Lime juice: Fresh is best. I usually squeeze 1 to 2 limes.
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries: Optional, for garnish.
- Fresh mint leaves: Optional, for garnish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make a cranberry lime spritzer you can pour in minutes? Grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fizzy, refreshing drink that looks great on the table.
Step 1: Prep your glasses
Fill each serving glass about halfway with ice.
Step 2: Make the base
In a pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add carbonation
Right before you serve, pour in the carbonated water and give it a gentle stir so you keep as much fizz as possible.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Pour the spritzer into the prepared glasses. Top with lime slices, fresh cranberries, and mint sprigs if you like. Serve right away while it is cold and bubbly.
Substitutions
- Simple syrup: Swap in honey syrup, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
- Lime juice: Fresh lemon juice is a great stand in.
- Fresh cranberries: When cranberries are out of season, use frozen ones or pomegranate arils.
- Fresh mint leaves: Use a small sprig of rosemary instead for a cozy, wintery touch.
Expert Tips
- Start with cold ingredients: Chill the juice, syrup, and sparkling water ahead of time. This keeps the spritzer crisp and bubbly without needing to load up on extra ice.
- Prep ahead the right way: Stir the cranberry juice, lime juice, and syrup together in advance and refrigerate. Wait to add the sparkling water and ice until just before serving so the drink stays bubbly.
- Use fresh berries: Fresh, ripe cranberries give a bright color and a gentle pop of tartness. If you are using frozen berries, rinse them quickly under cool water so they do not cloud the drink.
- Sweeten to taste: Cranberry juice ranges from quite tart to fairly sweet. Begin with a smaller amount of simple syrup, taste, and add a little more if you want.
- Add seasonal touches: For a holiday look, dip the glass rim in sugar or salt, tie a little ribbon around the stem, or garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries on top.
How to Serve Cranberry Lime Spritzer
Pour nice and cold into clear glasses so the bright red color and bubbles really stand out. Add ice, a few cranberries, and a lime slice or mint sprig for a simple, festive touch.
It goes well with savory bites like bacon wrapped asparagus, cucumber pinwheels, and stuffed mushrooms. It also fits right in next to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a simple cheese board. If you want something sweet on the side, try it with apple pie, gingerbread cookies, or a slice of applesauce cake.
More Easy Drinks To Try
5-Minute Cranberry Lime Spritzer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup carbonated water such as club soda or sparkling water
- ¼ cup simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1–2 whole limes juiced, plus extra slices for garnish
- Ice cubes
- fresh cranberries for garnish (optional
- fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill each serving glass about halfway with ice.
- In a pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Right before you serve, pour in the carbonated water and give it a gentle stir so you keep as much fizz as possible.
- Pour the spritzer into the prepared glasses. Top with lime slices, fresh cranberries, and mint sprigs if you like. Serve right away while it is cold and bubbly.
Notes
- Chill the juice, syrup, and sparkling water ahead of time to keep the spritzer crisp and bubbly without needing much ice.
- Stir the cranberry juice, lime juice, and syrup together in advance and refrigerate. Add the sparkling water and ice just before serving so it stays bubbly.
- Use fresh cranberries for bright color and a gentle pop of tartness. If using frozen berries, rinse them briefly so they do not cloud the drink.
- Start with a smaller amount of simple syrup, taste, and adjust based on how tart the cranberry juice is.
- Add a festive touch with a sugar or salt rim, a ribbon tied around the glass stem, or a garnish of rosemary and cranberries.
