Cranberry Apple Cocktail

The Cranberry Apple Cocktail is a vibrant, layered drink that combines crisp apple juice, tangy orange juice, and smooth cranberry vodka for a colorful and refreshing presentation. With its gradient effect, this cocktail looks as striking as it tastes, making it an excellent choice for holiday parties, brunches, or casual evenings when you want something light yet flavorful. Finished with a twist of orange peel, it delivers both aroma and elegance. Simple to build directly in the glass, this cocktail is approachable, festive, and a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes.

---

Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Apple Cocktail is crisp, layered, and full of bright fruit character. Apple juice provides natural sweetness, forming the base of the drink. Orange juice adds a citrusy freshness that balances the flavors, while cranberry vodka tops the cocktail with tartness and depth. The layered build creates a striking gradient of colors from golden apple at the bottom to ruby cranberry at the top that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Garnished with a twist of orange peel, this cocktail delivers a refreshing, slightly tangy profile that feels festive and approachable for a variety of occasions.

Equipment and Glassware

This Cranberry Apple Cocktail is quick to prepare and needs only a few tools. A highball glass is ideal, offering enough space for the layered juices, vodka, and ice. A jigger helps measure each component precisely, ensuring the right balance of sweetness, citrus, and tartness. A bar spoon can assist with gently layering the liquids to preserve the gradient effect. A vegetable peeler or paring knife is useful for cutting a clean twist of orange peel for garnish. Because the cocktail is built directly in the glass, no shaker or strainer is required, making it simple yet polished.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces apple juice
• 2 ounces orange juice
• 2 ounce cranberry vodka
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions

• Begin by filling a highball glass with ice.
• Pour in the apple juice, allowing it to settle at the bottom.
• Next, add the orange juice, creating a layered effect.
• Gently top the drink with the cranberry vodka, letting it float on the surface for a beautiful gradient.
• Garnish with a twist of orange peel for a citrusy aroma and elegant finish.

Pro Tips

• Pour slowly to preserve clean layers.
• Use chilled juices to keep the drink cold longer.
• Express the orange peel over the drink before garnishing for extra aroma.
• For stronger flavor, add an extra 0.5 oz cranberry vodka.
• Honeycrisp apple juice works especially well for the base.
• A tall, clear glass best showcases the layered effect.
• Add a cinnamon stick garnish for a seasonal twist.

---

When to Serve

The Cranberry Apple Cocktail is perfect for festive occasions, thanks to its bright colors and layered presentation. Its balance of fruit and citrus makes it ideal for fall and winter gatherings, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday parties. Because it’s light and refreshing, it also works well for brunches and afternoon celebrations. Its approachable profile makes it appealing to a wide range of guests, from casual drinkers to cocktail enthusiasts. Easy to build yet impressive in appearance, this cocktail is an excellent choice for entertaining when you want something quick, flavorful, and visually memorable.

---

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Cranberry Vodka: Smirnoff Cranberry, Absolut Kurant, or Deep Eddy Cranberry.
• Apple Juice: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or fresh-pressed orchard juice.
• Orange Juice: Simply Orange or fresh-squeezed for the brightest flavor.
• Garnish: Fresh oranges for peel twists, Honeycrisp apples for complementary fruit pairing.

Similar Cocktails

• Apple Maple Dark and Stormy
• Spicy Pear Martini
• Honeycrisp Apple Sangria
• Pear Ginger Lemonade
• Maple-Bourbon Smash