This Christmas Cranberry Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic drink! With tart cranberries, fresh mint, and zesty lime, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sipping on these all night—they’re just that good! I like to add a sprinkle of festive spirit with a splash of sparkling water. Cheers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use cranberry juice concentrate or frozen cranberries, just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
White Rum: This brings a nice, smooth base. If you prefer a different flavor, light vodka or gin can make a great substitute, keeping it spirits-friendly.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint is essential for that refreshing taste. If you don’t have fresh mint, you could use mint syrup, but it won’t have the same aromatic qualities.
Lime: Fresh lime juice brightens up the drink. You can swap with lemon juice in a pinch, but it’ll give a slightly different flavor profile.
Sugar or Simple Syrup: Adjust sweetness to your taste. Honey or agave syrup works well too, just remember they are sweeter than sugar.
How Do You Muddle Ingredients for the Best Flavor?
Muddling is an important step to release flavors from your ingredients. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker—this keeps everything contained while you work.
- Add the cranberries, mint, sugar, and lime wedges. Use the muddler or the end of a wooden spoon.
- Press down gently and twist to release the oils from the mint and juice from the cranberries and limes. Avoid pulverizing; you want to break them up without turning them to mush.
- Muddlers can vary in size; just use a part of it that feels comfortable for your hand to control pressure.
Doing this step well enhances the flavors and makes a big difference in your drink! Enjoy your cocktail mixing!
Christmas Cranberry Mojito
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top off
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Christmas Cranberry Mojito takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes muddling the ingredients and mixing everything up before enjoying this refreshing and festive drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the cranberries are fresh and the mint leaves are vibrant. Cut the lime into wedges, ready to release that zesty juice when muddling.
2. Muddle the Flavor:
In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the fresh cranberries, 8-10 mint leaves, sugar (or simple syrup), and 3-4 wedges of lime. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, press gently but firmly to release the mint oils and juice from the cranberries and lime.
3. Ice It Up:
Once you’ve muddled the ingredients, fill the glass with ice cubes. This will chill your drink and help keep it refreshing!
4. Mix in the Spirits:
Now pour in 1 1/2 oz of white rum along with 1/2 cup of cranberry juice. This combination will create that deliciously festive flavor you’re looking for.
5. Stir It Up:
Give everything a good stir! Make sure all the flavors are combined well. You’ll want those zesty lime and mint flavors mixed with the sweet and tart cranberry.
6. Add the Bubbles:
Top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water. This will add a delightful fizz and keep it refreshing. Just pour until it reaches the top or your preferred level of fizziness.
7. Garnish & Serve:
For the final touch, garnish your mojito with a sprig of fresh mint, a slice of lime, and a few extra cranberries for a beautiful, festive look.
8. Enjoy Your Drink:
Your Christmas Cranberry Mojito is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately and savor the delightful flavors of the holidays with each sip.
Can I Make This Mojito Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the white rum and replace it with extra cranberry juice or a splash of lime juice. This will maintain the refreshing and festive flavors of the cocktail without the alcohol.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use cranberry juice or frozen cranberries. For the juice, adjust the sweetness as needed since it can be sweeter than fresh berries. If using frozen cranberries, you can muddle them directly, just let them thaw slightly first.
How Should I Store Leftover Mojito Ingredients?
Fresh ingredients like mint and cranberries are best used immediately for the best flavor. If you have leftover mint, store it in a glass of water in the refrigerator, covered loosely with a plastic bag. Fresh cranberries can be kept in the fridge for a week or more.
Can I Prep This Mojito in Advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the muddled base (cranberries, mint, sugar, and lime) in advance. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, just add ice, rum, cranberry juice, and sparkling water. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing freshness!
