Cranberry Gin Cocktail

By Sofia Marten

Published •

Cranberry Gin Cocktail

Sometimes a perfect drink just means balancing tart and bright flavors expertly. This simple recipe for a Cranberry Gin Cocktail hits that sweet spot perfectly. The botanical notes of the gin sing alongside tart cranberry juice beautifully. It feels elegant without demanding much effort from you at all. Furthermore, achieving this fantastic flavor profile is surprisingly quick for a weeknight treat.

I often mix this up right before dinner needs my full attention. Even better, the vibrant color makes any gathering instantly feel a little more festive. This easy cocktail recipe always receives lovely feedback from friends, too.

Why I Love This Recipe

I champion this drink for its sheer speed and great taste. It truly is one of the quickest cocktails to master. You only need a few pantry staples on hand. Plus, it always impresses busy guests effortlessly. Serving a stunning Cranberry Gin Cocktail feels like a secret victory!

  • Amazing Flavor: Perfectly tart and refreshing every time.
  • Speedy Setup: Ready faster than ordering takeout.
  • Guest Appeal: Looks beautiful with minimal fuss.

Cranberry Gin Cocktail Ingredients

These ingredients come together like old friends sharing a secret. The interplay between the crisp gin and the tangy cranberry juice creates real magic here. We need good quality juice for the best results, honestly.

  • Gin: Provides the strong botanical backbone.
  • Cranberry Juice: Brings the necessary tart fruit essence.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Adds essential bright acidity, cutting through richness.
  • Simple Syrup: Modifies sweetness based on your juice choice.
  • Ice: Crucial for chilling our simple cocktail recipe.

Substitutions and Tips

If you only have cranberry cocktail, start with less simple syrup. You can always add more sweetness later, remember that. Try using grapefruit juice instead of lime for a different citrus punch. Furthermore, topping this with soda water creates a wonderful celebratory fizz when you want an extra splash.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Cocktail Shaker: Essential for proper chilling and mixing.
  • Jigger or Measuring Cups: Accuracy ensures balance in your drink.
  • Strainer: Keeps those ice shards out of the finished glass.
  • Chilled Glasses: Makes that first sip so much better.

How to Make Cranberry Gin Cocktail

Making this refreshing beverage involves just a few simple techniques. Paying attention to the chilling time really impacts the final product. Let’s look at the process for this wonderful Cranberry Gin Cocktail.

Chilling and Measuring

First thing, place your serving glass in the freezer for a good chill. Accuracy matters when mixing spirits, believe me. Measure out your gin and both juices carefully. Then, add your simple syrup to the shaker next.

Shaking for Perfection

Fill that trusty shaker completely full with ice cubes now. Add all the liquid ingredients into the shaker tin. Remember to secure that lid tightly before you begin. Shake vigorously until the shaker exterior feels thoroughly frosty and cold. This takes about fifteen to twenty seconds, no less!

Serving and Garnishing the Cocktail

Discard the ice from your chilled coupe or rocks glass. Slowly strain the icy mixture into your waiting, empty glass. Place a few fresh cranberries right on top for color. A nice lime wedge adds a final, fragrant touch to this classic Gin Cocktail.

How to Store Cranberry Gin Cocktail

Honestly, the best way to enjoy this drink is immediately after mixing. Leftovers are tricky since shaking incorporates air. If you must store any, put the pre-mixed, un-iced liquid in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to twenty-four hours maximum. Just shake again with fresh ice before serving to bring back that frosty chill.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Lime: Bottled citrus juice dulls the bright flavor profile.
  • Measure Precisely: Balance relies on accurate measurement of each component.
  • Chill Everything: A cold shaker means a colder, better final drink instantly.
  • Taste Test: Always sample before serving to check sweetness levels.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve alongside light appetizers like spiced nuts or olives.
  • Consider a simple cheese board featuring salty feta.
  • This pairs well with lighter poultry dishes served cold.
  • Offer sparkling water on the side for a lengthened enjoy moment.
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Cranberry Gin Cocktail

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  • Author: Sofia Marten
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A refreshing and simple Cranberry Gin Cocktail, perfect for any occasion, balancing tart cranberry with botanical gin and bright citrus.


Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 3 ounces cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail, if possible)
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (or to taste, adjust for juice sweetness)
  • Ice
  • Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge or twist, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add gin, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or an ice-filled rocks glass.
  5. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wedge or twist.
  6. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using 100% pure cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail) will result in a tarter drink, allowing for better control over sweetness with the simple syrup.
  • Adjust simple syrup to your preference based on the sweetness of your cranberry juice.
  • For an extra festive touch, consider using sparkling water or prosecco to top the drink for a Cranberry Gin Fizz variation.

Categorized in:

Appetizers
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