Cranberry Apple Fizz

The Cranberry Apple Fizz is a bright and refreshing cocktail that combines the crisp flavors of cranberry and apple into one lively drink. Apple brandy brings smooth warmth and depth, while cranberry juice adds tartness for balance. A touch of simple syrup softens the edges with gentle sweetness, creating harmony in the glass. Finished with a splash of sparkling seltzer, it has a light, bubbly texture that makes it easy to enjoy. Garnished with fresh cranberries, this cocktail is perfect for festive gatherings, autumn celebrations, or anytime you want a drink that feels fruity, refreshing, and full of charm.

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Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Apple Fizz is a crisp, fruit-forward cocktail that balances tart, sweet, and refreshing elements. Cranberry juice provides sharp acidity and bold flavor, setting the tone with a festive red hue. Apple brandy adds depth and orchard warmth, complementing the cranberry’s brightness with smooth, spiced undertones. Simple syrup softens the tartness, ensuring balance without overpowering. The drink is finished with seltzer water, which lifts the flavors and adds effervescence. Garnished with fresh cranberries, it feels celebratory and seasonal, making it a lively cocktail that’s light on the palate yet flavorful enough for gatherings year-round.

Equipment and Glassware

This Cranberry Apple Fizz requires minimal equipment, making it approachable for any home bartender. A cocktail shaker is used to combine the apple brandy, cranberry juice, and simple syrup, while a long spoon ensures the mixture is well integrated. A jigger is recommended for precise measurement of each component to maintain balance. For serving, a rocks glass is ideal, giving the drink a casual yet polished presentation and leaving room for ice and seltzer. A bar spoon or straw is useful for gently stirring once the seltzer is added, ensuring the fizz remains lively without losing carbonation.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 1.5 ounces apple brandy
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce seltzer water or soda water
• Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the cranberry juice, apple brandy, and simple syrup.
• Use a long spoon to stir the mixture until well combined.
• Fill a rocks glass with ice.
• Pour half of the cocktail mixture into each glass.
• Float the seltzer water on top of the cocktail.
• Garnish with a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, fruity flavors of the Cranberry Apple Fizz!

Pro Tips

• Use 100% cranberry juice for a tart, natural flavor.
• Adjust sweetness by increasing or reducing simple syrup.
• Chill the seltzer beforehand to keep the fizz strong.
• Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
• Try flavored seltzers like cranberry or apple for variation.
• Use clear ice cubes to enhance presentation.
• Freeze cranberries before garnishing for a festive “ice cube” effect.
• Serve in stemless wine glasses for a slightly more formal look.

When to Serve

The Cranberry Apple Fizz is an excellent choice for holiday entertaining, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, where its colors and flavors match the season. It’s light enough to serve as a welcome drink before a meal, yet flavorful enough to stand on its own at a cocktail party. Because it combines tartness, fruit, and fizz, it also works well for spring and summer gatherings, offering a refreshing, easy-to-drink option. Family-friendly variations can be made without the apple brandy, making it versatile for mixed company. With its balance of flavor and presentation, this cocktail is suitable year-round.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Apple Brandy: Laird’s Applejack, Christian Drouin, Copper & Kings
• Soda Water: Fever-Tree, Topo Chico, San Pellegrino

Similar Cocktails

• Brandy-Pecan Flip
• Mistletoe Martini
• Christmas Kentucky Buck
• The Woodsman Cocktail
• Black Cherry Spritz