Festive Cranberry Orange Spritzer
Whether you're hosting a festive Christmas brunch, planning a sparkling New Year's celebration, or just looking for a refreshing break from holiday shopping, you're about to discover your new favorite seasonal drink that's as good for your body as it is delicious. This vibrant mocktail combines the bright pop of cranberries, the sunny essence of orange, and the pine-fresh aroma of rosemary in a way that'll make you wonder why you didn't try it sooner. Perfect for a holiday party signature drink, a crisp afternoon refresher, or even a post-decorating treat, it's a versatile sipper that brings both joy and wellness to your festivities.
Let's talk about this powerhouse trio of ingredients for a moment. Cranberries aren't just those tart little berries that make an appearance during December - they're packed with antioxidants and vitamin C that help keep your immune system running strong when you need it most. Add in the vitamin-rich orange and the aromatic rosemary (which, by the way, has been used for centuries to boost memory and digestion), and you've got yourself a drink that's working overtime to keep you feeling fantastic through all the seasonal celebrations.
Here's a fun holiday fact that'll impress your guests: while we now enjoy cranberries in everything from sauce to cocktails, these little red gems have been part of North American celebrations for centuries. Native Americans used them for food, medicine, and even fabric dye long before they became a Christmas staple. Today, these bright berries have become such an essential part of holiday traditions that American cranberry farms harvest over 400 million pounds annually - and with refreshing recipes like this one, it's easy to see why.
Makes: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 slice navel orange, about ½-inch thick
Dash of bitters
½ teaspoon maple syrup
Ice cubes
2-ounces (¼ cup) unsweetened apple cider
2-ounces (¼ cup) unsweetened 100% cranberry juice
Seltzer water
Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig, to garnish
Instructions
Place the orange slice in the bottom of a 10-ounce or larger highball glass or other tall drinking glass. Use a wooden spoon to muddle the orange until its juice is released.
Add a dash of bitters and the maple syrup to the glass.
Fill the glass with ice. Then, pour in the apple cider and cranberry juice. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the mixture gently.
Top with seltzer water. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, and serve.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 60
Fat: 0 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Sodium: 5 milligrams
Carbohydrate: 13 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 12 grams
Added Sugar: 2 grams
Protein: 0 grams
