Mocktails are a fun way to enjoy bold, exciting drinks without using alcohol. This orange and cranberry mocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a beautiful ruby colour and fresh citrus notes. It is fizzy, vibrant and simple to prepare at home using basic ingredients. You can serve it for brunch, parties, or any time you want something that looks and feels special. It is refreshing and light, yet layered with bold flavour.Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best results. Choose sweet oranges that feel heavy and juicy when you pick them up. For cranberries, you can use store bought juice or make your own using fresh or frozen berries. The slight bitterness from cranberry pairs beautifully with orange and creates a balanced drink.
Step 1: Squeeze the orange juice
Take four to five fresh oranges and squeeze them to extract one and a half cups of juice. Strain it lightly to remove any seeds or thick pulp, unless you prefer a more rustic texture. The juice should be naturally sweet, fresh and full of citrus aroma. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the drink. Fresh juice will always give you a smoother flavour compared to packaged juice.
Step 2: Prepare the cranberry base
If you are using store bought cranberry juice, measure out half a cup and keep it chilled. If you want to make your own, simmer one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with half a cup of water and one teaspoon of sugar until the berries burst. Strain this mixture and let it cool. The cranberry base adds tartness and a rich red colour to the drink. You can adjust the sweetness here depending on your preference.
Step 3: Mix and balance the flavours
In a large mixing jug or cocktail shaker, combine the orange juice and cranberry juice. Stir well to blend the colours and flavours. Taste the mixture. If it feels too sharp or not sweet enough, add one teaspoon of honey, agave syrup or simple syrup and stir again. For extra brightness, you can also squeeze in a little lemon or lime juice. The key is to strike a balance between sweet, tart and citrusy.
Step 4: Add soda and ice for fizz
Fill two tall serving glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour the orange cranberry blend over the ice. Top each glass with chilled soda water or sparkling mineral water. This adds a light fizz that lifts the drink and gives it a festive feel. Stir gently to mix. The mocktail should have a deep orange red hue with floating bubbles and a refreshing aroma.
Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately
Garnish the glasses with a slice of orange, a few cranberries or a sprig of fresh mint. If you are serving this for a party, you can rim the glasses with sugar or crushed pink salt for extra detail. Serve immediately with a straw or a cocktail stirrer. This mocktail is best enjoyed fresh while the soda is still fizzy and the ice is just beginning to chill the drink.
This orange and cranberry mocktail is a beautiful combination of colour, flavour and fizz. It is simple to make, fun to serve and easy to enjoy on any occasion. Whether you are hosting guests or just want something special for yourself, this five step recipe gives you a drink that looks impressive and tastes even better. Bright, bold and bursting with citrus, it is everything a mocktail should be.