Festive Cranberry Lime Mojito: A Bright, Bubbly Holiday Cocktail

When the holiday season arrives, it’s time for drinks that sparkle just as much as the celebrations themselves. The festive cranberry lime mojito is a refreshing, jewel-toned twist on the classic mojito, combining tart cranberries, zesty lime, cooling mint, and crisp bubbles into one irresistibly festive cocktail.

This drink is everything a holiday cocktail should be—beautiful, refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve gathering, or cozy winter get-together, this cranberry lime mojito brings balance to rich holiday foods and adds a pop of color to your table.

Unlike heavy, creamy winter cocktails, this mojito remains light and vibrant. Cranberry juice adds a tart punch and festive color, while fresh lime juice keeps the drink bright and refreshing. Mint delivers its signature cooling aroma, and sparkling water finishes it off with a celebratory fizz.

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Why You’ll Love This Festive Mojito

The festive cranberry lime mojito is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it looks stunning. That deep ruby color paired with green mint and lime screams holiday cheer. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can make it by the glass or as a large batch for parties. It’s also easy to adapt into a mocktail, making it inclusive for all guests.

Most importantly, it’s refreshing. During the holidays, menus are often filled with rich and indulgent foods. This cocktail cuts through the heaviness, cleansing the palate and keeping things light and enjoyable.

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The Inspiration Behind Cranberry Mojitos

Mojitos originated in Cuba as a simple mix of rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda. Over time, countless variations have emerged, each adapting the classic to seasonal flavors. Cranberries, long associated with winter holidays, make the perfect addition. Their tartness complements lime beautifully and balances the sweetness of sugar and rum.

This festive cranberry lime mojito is a modern holiday adaptation—still true to the mojito’s refreshing roots, but dressed up for celebration.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (plus extra for garnish, optional)
• 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice recommended)
• 1½ cups white rum
• ½ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Sparkling water or club soda, to top
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries and sugar with ½ cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the mixture, pressing solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard solids and chill the cranberry syrup.
3. In a large pitcher, add fresh mint leaves and gently muddle to release aroma without tearing.
4. Pour in the chilled cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and white rum. Stir well to combine.
5. Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the mojito mixture about ¾ full.
6. Top with sparkling water or club soda and gently stir.
7. Garnish with mint sprigs, lime wedges, and sugared cranberries before serving.

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How to Make Sugared Cranberries for Garnish

Sugared cranberries elevate this drink from simple to stunning. To make them, simmer equal parts sugar and water until dissolved. Toss fresh cranberries in the syrup, then roll them in sugar and let dry on parchment paper. They add sparkle, texture, and a festive touch perfect for holiday cocktails.

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Tips for the Best Cranberry Lime Mojito

• Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor—bottled juice won’t deliver the same freshness.
• Gently muddle mint; over-muddling releases bitterness.
• Choose a good-quality white rum for a clean, smooth base.
• Chill all ingredients ahead of time to keep the drink crisp and refreshing.

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Variations to Try

Cranberry Lime Mojito Mocktail
Skip the rum and add extra sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a festive non-alcoholic drink.

Spiced Holiday Mojito
Add a cinnamon stick or star anise to the cranberry syrup for subtle warm spice notes.

Frozen Cranberry Mojito
Blend the mixture with ice for a slushy, party-ready cocktail.

Orange Cranberry Mojito
Add a splash of fresh orange juice for a citrusy holiday twist.

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Perfect Occasions for This Cocktail

This festive cranberry lime mojito fits seamlessly into any holiday celebration. Serve it at Christmas dinners, winter weddings, cocktail parties, or New Year’s Eve events. It’s equally perfect for intimate gatherings or large-scale entertaining.

The recipe scales easily, making it ideal for pitchers or beverage dispensers. Guests can garnish their own drinks, adding a fun interactive element to your party.

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Make-Ahead & Batch Instructions

Prepare the cranberry syrup up to three days in advance and store it refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply mix with lime juice, rum, and mint. Add sparkling water just before serving to preserve the fizz.

For large gatherings, multiply the recipe and serve in a chilled drink dispenser with garnishes on the side.

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A Holiday Cocktail with Visual Impact

Few drinks capture holiday spirit quite like a cranberry-based cocktail. The color alone feels festive, while the flavors remain balanced and refreshing. This cranberry lime mojito proves that holiday cocktails don’t have to be heavy or overly sweet to feel special.

It’s elegant enough for formal events yet simple enough for casual gatherings—a true holiday staple