Cinnamon Cranberry Spritzer Holiday Cocktail

This delightful Cinnamon Cranberry Spritzer is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. This drink features the classic flavor combination of cranberry, orange, and cinnamon. Add a little vodka for a fun adults-only treat, or skip it for a pleasant mocktail everyone can enjoy. Cheers!

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What You’ll Need

• Small Saucepan
• Large Glass Bowl
• Fine Mesh Strainer

Ingredients

• 1 c. Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
• ¼ c. Honey
• ½ c. Water
• 4 Cinnamon Sticks
• 3 c. Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
• 2 medium Oranges, each cut into 8 wedges
• Optional: ½ c. Vodka
• 3 c. Sparkling Water

Optional Garnish

• Additional Cinnamon Sticks
• 6 long Rosemary Sprigs, lower leaves removed, and threaded with fresh cranberries

Instructions

Prep time: 5 minutes, plus chill time
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6

1. Add cranberries, honey, water, and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the honey is melted and the spices are intensely fragrant.
   
   
2. Remove from heat and transfer to a large glass or other non-reactive bowl. Add cranberry juice, orange wedges, and vodka, if using. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
   
   
3. Once thoroughly chilled, remove from refrigerator and firmly squeeze each orange wedge into the bowl to capture the juice before discarding. Strain mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.
   
   
4. To serve, fill serving glasses with ice and add enough of the seasoned cranberry juice mixture to fill each glass about 1/3 full. Top off each glass with sparkling water and stir to combine. Taste and sweeten with additional honey, if desired. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and/or rosemary skewers and serve immediately.
   

I hope you enjoy this festive holiday cocktail and cheers to celebrating!