Mix up my non-alcoholic cranberry ginger beer mocktail for your next holiday party! It's easy to make, low in sugar and a delicious drink for any occasion.
There are so many reasons why someone might opt for a non-alcoholic drink, and I'm not one to judge. What I am here to do is provide the BEST mocktails, so you can enjoy a fun festive drink alongside your friends and family.
This cranberry ginger beer mocktail is the non-alcoholic drink you need for every holiday party this season. It's like a Moscow mule mocktail with cranberry juice for a festive twist. Trust me, you won't feel like you're missing out on the fun cocktails when you've got this drink in hand! You can even serve it in a copper mug for the classic moscow mule look.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- No added sugar. Lots of cocktails and mocktails are pretty high in sugar from simple syrups and sweeteners. This mocktail with cranberry juice is naturally sweetened!
- Non-alcoholic. If you aren't feeling up to a drink but still want to enjoy the social aspect, mocktails are a gamechanger. Such a great holiday wellness tip!
- Boost your gut health. There is a growing body of research to suggest that cranberries (specifically no sugar added cranberry juice) may benefit maintaining a healthy population of gut bacteria. Even better reason to go for a cranberry mocktail!
Ingredients
Ginger beer. There are many different ginger beer options on the market these days. Most ginger beers found in the beverage aisle of the grocery store (near the pop/soda water) are non-alcoholic however I always double check. My personal favourite is this zero-sugar option from Remedy
Cranberry juice. Look for a no added sugar 100% cranberry juice. Note that cranberry cocktails are not the same as 100% juice; these will contain added sugar and will be sweeter.
Lime. To add brightness and zing!
Mint. Fresh mint leaves add a nice refreshing flavour to this cocktail. If you're not a fan, leave it out.
Soda water. feel free to use any soda water you have on hand. A cranberry flavoured option also makes a great twist.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker add fresh mint leaves and lime juice. Use a muddler to gently muddle the mint until aromatic. Add crushed ice and cranberry juice, place the lid on and shake. After shaking, pour in ginger beer and gently stir.
Strain into a glass and top off with soda water. Garnish with frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
I personally like my drinks to be less sweet. If you prefer yours on the sweeter side, I would recommend adding 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (or even honey).
If you wish to add alcohol, add 1.5 ounces of vodka into the shaker alongside the rest of the ingredients
Equipment
This cocktail kit comes with everything you need to start making your own cocktails and mocktails. For this recipe I used the shaker, the jigger, the muddler and the Hawthorne strainer.
Storage
I recommend making these on demand for the optimal flavour as the ginger beer and soda water will go flat if stored for long periods of time.
Top Tip
The frozen cranberries act as ice cubes in the drink helping keep it cool without watering it down! If you wish to use fresh cranberries, I would recommend adding some ice into your glass to ensure it stays cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Feel free to add the ingredients (other than the soda water) into a large glass, stir well and strain into the serving glass of choice. Top off with soda water.
Yes you can! If you wish to make this a cocktail for some of your guests, you may add 1.5 ounces of vodka into the shaker cup along with the other ingredients.
Today, most ginger beer options are alcohol-free, however some options may contain up to 5% of alcohol. Be sure to check the label to ensure your choice is alcohol-free!
Ginger ale is ginger-flavoured soda, while ginger beer has a much stronger ginger flavour. It also might have a darker colour than ginger ale! With that being said, I prefer ginger beer mocktails for the spiciest ginger flavour.
More Festive Recipes
Don't forget to try these recipes this holiday season!
- Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
- Soft Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies
- No Bake Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this cranberry ginger beer mocktail, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Ginger Beer Mocktail
Equipment
- cocktail kit
Ingredients
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- Juice of ½ a lime
- Handful of crushed ice
- 2 ounces of 100% cranberry juice
- 4 ounces of ginger beer
- 2 ounces soda water
For garnishing:
- Small handful of frozen cranberries
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker add fresh mint leaves and lime juice. Use a muddler to gently muddle the mint until aromatic. Add crushed ice and cranberry juice, place the lid on and shake. After shaking, pour in ginger beer and gently stir.
- Strain into a glass and top off with soda water. Garnish with frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary.
Sandra Albrecht says
I made this recipe yesterday for my mom and sisters as we celebrated Christmas. It was fantastic! Refreshing, zingy and not too sweet. This one will be on repeat!
Sandra