White Clausmopolitan

There is something about a winter cocktail that feels extra special when it glows in soft, snowy colors, and the White Clausmopolitan delivers that magic from the very first sip. This bright and refreshing twist on the classic cosmopolitan uses white cranberry juice, lime, vodka, and a hint of elderflower to create a delicate holiday drink that feels both elegant and fun. I first made it for a small Christmas gathering, and it quickly became the drink everyone asked about because of its clean flavor and festive presentation.

What I love most about this holiday recipe is how light and crisp it tastes compared to many heavier winter cocktails. The elderflower adds a soft floral sweetness that blends beautifully with the citrus and white cranberry, creating a balance that feels refreshing without losing that seasonal charm. It is the kind of drink you can serve early in the evening before a holiday dinner, or pour during a Christmas movie night when you want something pretty and easy to sip.

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Why You’ll Love This

The White Clausmopolitan blends classic cosmopolitan flavors with a lighter, wintery twist that feels perfect for holiday gatherings. The mix of vodka, elderflower, and white cranberry keeps the drink crisp, while the lime adds the right amount of tartness. I enjoy making this cocktail because it is both refreshing and festive, which makes it a great fit for almost any holiday moment.

Here are a few reasons this drink becomes a seasonal favorite:

• It is quick to prepare, making it ideal for holiday hosting.
• White cranberry juice gives it a softer, smoother flavor than the traditional cosmo.
• Elderflower liqueur adds floral sweetness that feels perfect for winter cocktails.
• The drink looks elegant and photographs beautifully for holiday social posts.
• It is lighter than many Christmas cocktails, so it pairs well with snacks and appetizers.
• You can garnish it however you like to match any seasonal theme.

Together, these perks make the White Clausmopolitan a standout choice for anyone who loves bright, refreshing holiday drinks.

Ingredients

This cocktail works well because the ingredients are simple but chosen carefully to create a balanced flavor. White cranberry juice softens the citrus notes while keeping the drink crisp.

Elderflower liqueur brings that subtle floral finish that makes the recipe feel unique. Every part of the list plays a role in creating a drink that feels polished and seasonal.

• 1 oz Vodka
• 0.5 oz Triple Sec
• 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
• 2.5 oz white cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 3 fresh cranberries for garnish

Each ingredient adds something important. Vodka provides a clean base that blends easily with the other flavors. Triple sec brings soft, citrusy sweetness. Elderflower liqueur gives a light floral taste that lifts the drink.

White cranberry juice keeps everything smooth and refreshing. Lime juice brightens the whole cocktail, and the cranberries finish the presentation with festive color.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right spirits helps the White Clausmopolitan taste clean and balanced. You do not need the most expensive bottles, but selecting brands known for smoothness will make the cocktail feel more polished. There are also great substitutions you can use if you want to adjust the flavor or work with what you already have.

Here are a few recommended options:

• Tito’s Vodka for a smooth, neutral base that mixes well with citrus.
• Ketel One Vodka if you want a crisp, light finish perfect for holiday cocktails.
• Grey Goose for an elevated, silky feel in spirit forward drinks.
• St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur for soft floral sweetness that blends beautifully.
• Cointreau can replace triple sec for a deeper orange flavor.
• White grape juice works if you cannot find white cranberry juice, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter.

These choices help you tailor the drink while keeping the same cheerful spirit.

Equipment and Glassware

You only need basic tools to create the White Clausmopolitan, which makes it great for busy holiday nights. A cocktail shaker helps everything chill and blend evenly. A martini or coupe glass gives the drink its polished, festive appearance.

Useful tools include:

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Martini Glass or
• Coupe Glass

Chilling your glass ahead of time helps keep the drink crisp and refreshing, enhancing its clean winter flavor.

How to Make It

The process for making a White Clausmopolitan is fast and easy, which is perfect when you are hosting or preparing several cocktails at once. Shaking the ingredients over plenty of ice ensures the drink stays cold and well blended, giving you a smooth sip every time.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, triple sec, elderflower liqueur, white cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for fifteen to twenty seconds until the mixture is very cold.
4. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with three fresh cranberries, either floating in the drink or skewered.

If you prefer a slightly sweeter version, increase the elderflower liqueur by a small splash. For a tarter drink, add a touch more lime juice.

Pro Tips

Small choices can elevate the White Clausmopolitan and help you achieve the perfect flavor and style. These pointers make the drink smoother, brighter, and more festive. I love experimenting with tiny adjustments because they can completely transform the experience.

• Use clear ice so the drink chills without watering down too quickly.
• Chill your martini glass in the freezer for ten minutes before pouring.
• Taste before serving to adjust sweetness or acidity.
• Shake longer
  to help the cocktail become light and frosty.
• Try fresh lime juice instead of bottled for the best citrus flavor.
• Use decorative picks to skewer cranberries for a polished presentation.
• Add a rosemary sprig if you want a subtle winter aroma.

Experimenting with different garnishes or citrus levels can help you create your own signature version of this holiday cocktail.

Variations

The White Clausmopolitan is easy to customize depending on your taste or the occasion. You can make it fruitier, lighter, more floral, or even non alcoholic. These creative variations help you adapt the drink for different guests or parties.

Try these versions:

• Make a non alcoholic version with zero proof vodka and white cranberry juice.
• Add a splash of sparkling water for a lighter spritz style drink.
• Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a brighter citrus note.
• Add a small splash of pomegranate juice for color and tartness.
• Replace elderflower with vanilla syrup for a softer, sweeter profile.

Each variation puts a new spin on the drink while keeping its festive charm.

When to Serve and Pairings

The White Clausmopolitan fits beautifully into holiday celebrations because it is crisp, cheerful, and easy to enjoy. It works well as a welcome drink at Christmas parties, or as a refreshing option during long dinners. I love making it for gatherings where people enjoy light cocktails that pair well with salty snacks and appetizers.

Serve it with:

• Charcuterie boards
• Shrimp cocktail
• Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
• Fruit platters
• Cranberry baked brie
• Other festive cocktails like the White Cosmo or White Winter Margarita

These pairings highlight the cocktail’s citrus and floral notes while keeping the winter theme strong.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best prepared fresh, especially because the citrus and floral notes taste brightest right after shaking. If you want to prep ahead for a party, combine all liquid ingredients except the ice in a sealed container and refrigerate. Shake individual servings with ice just before pouring.

Garnish each glass right before serving so the cranberries stay fresh and vibrant. Avoid letting the drink sit too long after pouring, as the clarity and crispness are part of its charm.

FAQs

Here are some helpful answers to common questions about making the White Clausmopolitan. These tips make it easier to adapt the drink to your preferences or kitchen setup.

Can I use regular cranberry juice?
Yes, but the color and flavor will be stronger and slightly sweeter.

Is elderflower liqueur required?
It adds a lovely floral note, but you can replace it with simple syrup or St. Germain alternatives.

Can I make a pitcher for parties?
Yes, mix everything except ice, keep cold, and shake portions when serving.

Can I add carbonation?
A splash of soda water works well if you want a lighter texture.

What vodka works best?
A smooth, neutral vodka such as Tito’s or Ketel One complements the drink’s clean flavors.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy bright, elegant holiday cocktails like the White Clausmopolitan, you will love these other festive drinks. Each one brings its own seasonal flair and works well for winter gatherings.

• White Cosmo: A crisp, citrusy take on the classic cosmopolitan with white cranberry juice.
• Winter Paloma: A refreshing grapefruit cocktail with a winter twist.
• Pomegranate Margarita: A bold, ruby colored holiday drink made with tequila and citrus.
• Christmas Collins: A bubbly combination of gin, pomegranate, and rosemary.
• Cranberry Gin Fizz: A sparkling berry cocktail perfect for winter evenings.