The Frosted Cranberry

The Frosted Cranberry is a simple yet festive cocktail that’s perfect for the holiday season. It blends smooth vodka with the tart flavor of cranberry juice and the crisp fizz of ginger ale for a refreshing, well-balanced drink. Served over ice, it has a bright red color that feels cheerful and inviting, making it great for parties, dinners, or cozy nights in. Garnished with fresh cranberries, this cocktail looks as elegant as it tastes. The Frosted Cranberry is easy to make, light to sip, and a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a mix of sweet, tart, and bubbly flavors.

---

Tasting Notes

The Frosted Cranberry is crisp, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, offering a perfect blend of tart cranberry and light spice from the ginger ale. The vodka provides a clean, smooth base that allows the fruity flavors to shine through without overpowering them. The cranberry juice adds a festive ruby hue and gentle tang, while the ginger ale softens the acidity with a hint of sweetness and effervescence. Each sip feels light yet flavorful ideal for those who enjoy bright, bubbly cocktails. The cranberry garnish adds a seasonal touch, making this drink as visually striking as it is easy to enjoy.

Equipment and Glassware

Preparing The Frosted Cranberry requires minimal equipment, making it an easy yet polished cocktail to serve. A jigger ensures accurate measurement of the vodka and cranberry juice, while a bar spoon is helpful for gentle stirring. Use a highball or rocks glass for serving their height and clarity highlight the drink’s vibrant color and sparkling bubbles. Ice cubes are essential to keep the drink chilled and refreshing from start to finish. A cocktail pick or skewer is useful for arranging the cranberry garnish, adding a festive finishing touch that completes the presentation beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz ginger ale
• cranberries for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a highball or rocks glass with ice.
• Pour vodka and cranberry juice over the ice.
• Top with ginger ale and gently stir to combine.
• Garnish by skewering cranberries onto a cocktail pick or floating them on top of the drink for a festive presentation.

Pro Tips

• Chill all ingredients before mixing for maximum refreshment.
• Use clear ice cubes to keep the drink visually crisp and prevent dilution.
• For a more tart profile, use 100% cranberry juice instead of sweetened.
• Add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness.
• Substitute ginger beer for stronger spice and a bolder kick.
• Use sugared cranberries for a decorative, wintery garnish.
• Garnish just before serving to maintain carbonation.
• Serve in a chilled glass to preserve the bubbles and color longer.

When to Serve

The Frosted Cranberry is perfect for holiday parties, winter gatherings, and festive brunches. Its refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and effervescent notes makes it an excellent welcome cocktail or light drink to accompany appetizers and desserts. It’s especially fitting for Christmas dinners or New Year’s toasts, offering an eye-catching color that enhances any table setting. Beyond the holidays, it also works well for casual get-togethers or warm-weather occasions when you want something crisp and easy to enjoy. Simple to make and universally appealing, it’s a year-round favorite with a seasonal sparkle.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Vodka: Try Tito’s, Ketel One, or Grey Goose for smooth, clean flavor.
• Cranberry Juice: Use Ocean Spray or Lakewood Organic for consistent tartness and color.
• Ginger Ale: Canada Dry, Fever-Tree, or Schweppes for balanced sweetness and fizz.
• Garnishes: Fresh or sugared cranberries add a festive finishing touch.

Similar Cocktails

• Snow Miser Cocktail
• White Chocolate Eggnog Martini
• Frosty Lemonade
• White Clausmopolitan
• Kringle Krusher