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Most Popular Mixed Drinks: Cranberry Juice Cocktails
Cranberry Juice in Drinks
Using cranberry juice as a mixer is a very common practice and it is becoming increasingly popular. Cranberry juice is unique in that it can can be paired with a variety of flavors and will nearly always taste nice. In many mixed drinks cranberry juice is used to finish off a drink or to give it that "something special". Cranberry juice's sweet and tart flavor pairs well with practically any type of alcohol including vodka, gin, rum and tequila. You can also try mixing it with virtually any type of liqueur that you want. Cranberry juice is a probably one the most versatile mixers used in bar tending. Perhaps this is why cranberry cocktails are some of the most popular mixed drinks.
Classic Cranberry Vodka Recipe
The original and probably most popular cranberry cocktail is the Cranberry and Vodka mixed drink. This is a very easy and tasty cocktail to make that has very few ingredients. Nearly everyone enjoys an ice cold Cranberry Vodka.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. of Vodka
- 4 oz. of Cranberry Juice
- 1 lime wedge
Simply fill a lowball glass with ice and pour your vodka over it. Then add your cranberry juice to the drink. Now you can either place the lime wedge on the side of the glass or squeeze it into the drink and toss the wedge in as well. Lastly, give the drink a good stir and serve it immediately
Mai Tai Recipe
This is a unique type of Mai Tai that incorporates the flavors of cranberry juice. The Mai Tai has countless variations, but this is one that I especially enjoy. This exotic, tropical and refreshing cocktail is perfect for lounging around the pool.
Ingredients:
- 3 Oz. Vodka
- 3 Oz. Of Cranberry Juice
- 3 Oz. of Orange Juice
- 3 Oz. of Pineapple Juice
- 3 Oz. Of White Soda (7-Up, Sprite, etc.)
- Fruit or Fun Drink Garnish (Umbrellas, Sword Toothpicks)
Take a highball glass and fill it halfway with ice. Then pour your vodka over the ice. Now add your cranberry juice, orange juice and pineapple juice into the glass. Top off your glass with the white soda and gently stir the drink. Don't stir too quickly or the soda will bubble over the glass. This drink can be served immediately or it can be made in large batches for parties. I also suggest that you have some fun garnishing this drink; these tropical drinks require some fun garnishes to be fully enjoyed
Cranberry Kiss Cocktail
This is a great cocktail for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Everyone will have enjoyed your cranberry sauce and you can now carry the flavors into the after dinner drinks. This tart drink will surely be a hit among your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. of Spiced Rum (Captain Morgan's)
- Club Soda
- 2 oz. of Cranberry Juice
- 1 Lime Wedge
This drink is really simple to make. Take a highball glass and fill it to the top with ice, then pour your rum over the ice. Now add your cranberry juice and add a squeeze of lime. Finally top the glass off with some club soda. Give the drink a gentle stir and serve.
Sex on the Beach Cocktail
This is one of those drinks you have probably always wanted to try, but were just too embarrassed to order at the bar. Not to worry, this drink can easily be made in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. of Vodka
- 1 oz. of Peach Schnapps
- 2 oz. of Orange Juice
- Cranberry Juice
To make a Sex on the Beach cocktail you need to fill a highball glass nearly to the top with ice. Then pour your vodka and Peach Schnapps over the ice. Add your orange juice to the mix and top off with cranberry juice. Give your drink a good stir and enjoy. This will probably be one of your favorite cranberry cocktails.
Cosmo Drink Recipe
The Cosmo is also know as the Cosmopolitan; it is basically a cranberry martini. They have become very popular in the past few years due to the popular TV show Sex in The City. The girls on the show were known for drinking Cosmos.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 1/2 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz .cranberry juice
- An orange peel to garnish.
To make a Cosmo combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. When the ingredients are mixed well and are cold, pour into a chilled martini glass. If you want to make your Cosmo fancy place a curled orange peel on the edge of the glass. Enjoy your Cosmopolitan, it will likely be one of your favorite cranberry cocktails of all time.