Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail is the festive sip Chef Maxime relies on to make every guest feel special, whether they drink alcohol or not.
He recalls his grandmother’s holiday parties, where the « fancy » drinks were always off-limits to the kids, leaving them with plain juice.
Determined to change that, Maxime created this stunning non-alcoholic cocktail that captures the sophistication of a lemon drop martini recipe with a seasonal twist.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail
Ingrédients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan for 10 mins. Cool and strain to make syrup.
- Rub rims of 4 glasses with lemon wedge and dip in sugar.
- Fill shaker with ice. Add non-alcoholic spirit, lemon juice, cranberry syrup, and orange juice. Shake well. (Work in batches if needed).
- Strain into glasses and top each with 3 oz sparkling water. Garnish with cranberries.
Notes
CALORIES: 105
By swirling tart fresh lemon with a homemade cranberry syrup, this drink delivers a « grown-up » complexity that rivals any Christmas martini. It’s vibrant, inclusive, and perfectly balanced—sweet, tart, and bubbly. Whether you’re browsing our Recipes Trends for the latest holiday ideas or looking for a special drink to pair with our Evening Eats, this mocktail is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
H2: Summary
This Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail features:
- A vibrant homemade cranberry syrup that adds color and depth.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice for that classic lemon drop zing.
- A touch of orange juice to mimic the floral notes of triple sec.
- Sparkling water for a festive, effervescent finish.
It’s a dairy-free, alcohol-free, and vegan drink that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle while feeling indulgent. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the star of any holiday gathering.
H2: Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer (or fine-mesh sieve)
- Small saucepan (for the syrup)
- Jigger or measuring glass
- Martini or coupe glasses
- Small plate (for rimming)
H2: Ingredients for Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail
For the Cranberry Syrup:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or monk fruit for lower sugar)
For Each Mocktail:
- 2 oz non-alcoholic gin alternative (or cold filtered water)
- 1 ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz Cranberry Syrup (recipe below)
- ½ oz fresh orange juice
- 2–3 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Rim: Lemon wedge + 2 tbsp superfine sugar
- Garnish: Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprig, or lemon twist
H2: Directions for Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail
Step 1: Create the Ruby Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the berries burst and the liquid turns a deep jewel-red. Remove from heat, let cool completely, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve. (Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!).
Step 2: Rim the Glass
Pour superfine sugar onto a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your martini glass, then dip it into the sugar to coat. This classic lemon drop martini touch adds texture to every sip.
Step 3: Shake and Chill
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the non-alcoholic spirit (or water), lemon juice, cranberry syrup, and orange juice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker feels frosty cold.
Step 4: Serve and Sparkle
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water for fizz. Garnish with a few floating cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for that Christmas martini look.
H2: Tips and Variations
Chef Maxime’s Healthy Tips:
- Sugar Swap: Use coconut sugar or agave in the syrup for a different flavor profile, though the color may be darker.
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice lacks the zesty essential oils that make this drink pop.
- Make it Frozen: Blend the liquid ingredients with a cup of ice for a slushy version—perfect for warmer climates!
Flavor Twists:
- Spiced Version: Add a cinnamon stick to the simmering syrup for warm holiday spice.
- Herbal Note: Muddle a basil leaf in the shaker for a fresh, garden-inspired twist.
H2: Nutrition Facts in Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
H3: Nutritional Highlights
This drink is naturally fat-free and contains a healthy dose of Vitamin C from the fresh citrus and cranberries. While it is a treat, making it at home allows you to control the sugar levels unlike sugary store-bought mixes.
H3: Dietitian Tips
« To reduce the glycemic impact, » says Chef Maxime, « try using a stevia-based simple syrup and increase the sparkling water ratio. You’ll still get that festive flavor with fewer calories. »
H2: FAQs « 6 Frequently Asked Questions »
1. Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Mix the syrup and juices in a pitcher and chill. Pour into glasses and top with sparkling water just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.
2. What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
A mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly! Just shake and strain as usual.
3. Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Without the non-alcoholic spirit (just using water or extra juice), it’s essentially a fancy sparkling lemonade that kids love.
4. Can I use store-bought cranberry juice?
You can, but use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice and add a little sweetener to taste. Avoid « cranberry cocktail » juice blends which are often high in high-fructose corn syrup.
5. How do I get the rim sugar to stick?
The acidity of the lemon wedge is key. Make sure the rim is wet all the way around before dipping.
6. What goes well with this drink?
It pairs beautifully with our light appetizers or even dessert. Try it alongside a dish from our Midday Bites category for a refreshing lunch pairing.
H2: Conclusion
This Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop Mocktail proves that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. It’s festive, flavorful, and created with the same care Chef Maxime puts into every meal. Whether you’re toasting to the holidays or just celebrating a Tuesday, this drink brings a little sparkle to your glass. Don’t forget to explore our Protein Meals for a healthy dinner to accompany your fancy drink!
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