Paul Kushner
The Santa’s Vodka Refresher is a bright and cheerful cocktail that captures the lively spirit of Christmas. It combines smooth vodka with tart cranberry juice and a splash of lime for a crisp, balanced flavor. A hint of sweetness rounds it out, while a topping of soda adds a bubbly finish that makes it light and easy to sip. Garnished with fresh mint leaves and a lime wheel, it looks festive and inviting. Simple to make and full of holiday flavor, this cocktail is perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or relaxing with friends during the holiday season.
Tasting Notes
Santa’s Vodka Refresher is crisp, light, and balanced with a hint of sweetness and citrus. The vodka forms a smooth base that allows the tart cranberry and zesty lime flavors to shine, while the simple syrup softens the acidity for a rounded finish. The club soda adds a lively sparkle, keeping the drink bright and refreshing from the first sip to the last. The mint garnish provides a cool aroma that enhances the cocktail’s festive feel. It’s a clean, easy-drinking cocktail with just the right touch of holiday cheer perfect for those who enjoy something fruity, fizzy, and not too sweet.
Equipment and Glassware
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 0.75 ounce simple syrup
- 0.5 ounce lime juice
- club soda to top
- mint leaves fresh, for garnish
- lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Pour the cocktail into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to blend.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves and a lime wheel for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday flavors!
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor balance.
- Chill all ingredients ahead of time for a crisp, clean finish.
- Shake only the base ingredients add club soda last to keep the bubbles intact.
- Adjust the simple syrup to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness.
- For extra flair, use crushed ice instead of cubes.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries for a decorative holiday twist.
- Try flavored vodka like citrus or cranberry for added depth.
- Serve immediately to preserve carbonation and aroma.
When to Serve
Santa’s Vodka Refresher is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, and festive cocktail hours. Its light, fizzy character makes it ideal as a welcome drink or palate cleanser between rich seasonal dishes. It’s especially fitting for Christmas parties or New Year’s celebrations when guests want something bright and easy to sip. The cocktail pairs well with savory appetizers, fruit platters, or light desserts like shortbread cookies. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this refreshing cocktail brings a cheerful sparkle to the holiday table.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Tito’s, Ketel One, or Grey Goose for a smooth, clean finish.
- Cranberry Juice: Ocean Spray or Lakewood Organic for bright, tart flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Homemade (1:1 sugar to water) for the freshest sweetness.
- Club Soda: Fever-Tree or Q Club Soda for crisp carbonation.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 0.75 ounce simple syrup
- 0.5 ounce lime juice
- club soda to top
- mint leaves fresh, for garnish
- lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Pour the cocktail into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to blend.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves and a lime wheel for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday flavors!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, muddle a few mint leaves with the lime juice before shaking.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding a bit more or less simple syrup.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink refreshing.
