The Cranberry Mojito is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic mojito, infusing the tartness of cranberries with the traditional mint and lime flavors. This delightful cocktail is perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a crisp and fruity beverage. Its beautiful red hue makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious, ensuring it stands out at any party.

Ingredients

For the Mojito:
10 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh lime juice
2 tsp sugar or 1 oz simple syrup
2 oz white rum
4 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened)
Club soda, to top off
Ice cubes
For Garnish:
Fresh cranberries
Lime slices
Mint sprigs

Directions

Muddle the Mint and Sugar:

In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves and sugar (or simple syrup).
Gently muddle the mint and sugar together using a muddler or the back of a spoon. This releases the mint’s essential oils and blends them with the sweetness.

Add Lime Juice and Rum:

Pour in the fresh lime juice and white rum.
Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors.

Mix in Cranberry Juice:

Add the cranberry juice to the mixture.
Stir again to ensure all ingredients are well integrated.

Prepare the Glass:

Fill a highball glass or a large mason jar with ice cubes.
Pour the cranberry mojito mixture over the ice.

Top with Club Soda:

Top off the drink with club soda to add a fizzy finish.
Give the cocktail a gentle stir to blend the club soda with the other ingredients.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with a handful of fresh cranberries, a slice of lime, and a sprig of mint.
Serve immediately with a straw for easy sipping.

Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail

Variations

Frozen Cranberry Mojito:
Blend all ingredients with a handful of ice until smooth for a slushy version.
Sparkling Cranberry Mojito:
Use sparkling cranberry juice instead of regular cranberry juice and omit the club soda for an extra bubbly twist.
Cranberry Mojito Punch:
Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed and mix in a large pitcher. Add club soda just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Mojito:
Omit the rum and increase the cranberry juice and lime juice. Top with extra club soda or a flavored sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.

Tips

Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your mojito before adding club soda. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar or simple syrup to balance the tartness of the cranberries and lime.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cranberries for muddling can intensify the cranberry flavor. Simply add a handful of fresh cranberries along with the mint and sugar, then muddle gently before adding the liquids.
Chill Everything: For an extra refreshing drink, chill your glasses and ingredients beforehand. Cold ingredients blend better and keep the cocktail icy longer.

FAQs

Can I use cranberry syrup instead of cranberry juice?
Yes, cranberry syrup can be used for a sweeter and more concentrated cranberry flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to balance the sweetness.

What type of rum is best for a Cranberry Mojito?
White rum is traditionally used in mojitos for its light and clean flavor. However, you can experiment with flavored rums like coconut or cranberry rum for an added twist.

How do I make cranberry juice from fresh cranberries?

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh cranberries
3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Directions:

Combine cranberries and water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and release their juices.
Remove from heat, add sugar, and stir until dissolved.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the cranberries to extract as much juice as possible.
Let the juice cool before using in cocktails.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry mojito mixture in advance by combining the muddled mint, sugar, lime juice, rum, and cranberry juice. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pour it over ice, top with club soda, and garnish.

Storage

Fresh Mint: Keep fresh mint sprigs in the refrigerator, submerged in water, to keep them fresh for longer use.
Cranberry Juice: Store homemade cranberry juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

The Cranberry Mojito is a festive and flavorful cocktail that brings a burst of color and taste to any occasion. Its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and minty flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Cheers!

Cranberry Mojito

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 5 minutes (not including time for cranberry syrup)
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cranberry syrup)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Beverages, Cocktails
Method: Muddling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Cranberry Mojito is a festive take on the classic mojito cocktail, blending the tartness of cranberries with fresh mint, lime, and a splash of sparkling soda. It’s a refreshing and colorful drink that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion!

Instructions

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
For the Mojito:
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 oz cranberry simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz white rum
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Ice cubes
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top
- Fresh cranberries and mint sprigs, for garnish

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the cranberry simple syrup in advance and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute rum with extra cranberry juice or sparkling water for a mocktail version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 180
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 10mg