This cranberry mojito is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Full of fresh cranberry simple syrup, fresh mint, lime, and just a touch of rum.
Looking for a great holiday cocktail full of tart flavor and a hint of fresh mint?
Well, look no further than this cranberry mojito!
I packed this cocktail full of homemade cranberry simple syrup and then combined it with fresh mint, lime juice, rum, and just a touch of seltzer water to finish it off with a little fizz.
If you’re looking for a tasty holiday cocktail this is just what you need! Plus, you can use the cranberry simple syrup in everything from lemonade to adding flavor to plain club soda.
This cocktail is also a great option for a large gathering as you can scale up the ingredients to make it in a large pitcher!
Looking for even more mojito recipes? Have you tried my Apple Cider Mojito, Blueberry Mojito, Mango Mojito, Coconut Mojito, or my Mixed Berry Mojito
Craving another cranberry cocktail? Try this cozy and warm wassail recipe!
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make a cranberry mojito
Cranberry simple syrup:
- Fresh cranberries – This is the base of our simple syrup and what gives the mojito a cranberry twist! You can find fresh cranberries in the produce section of the grocery store in the fall months.
- Water – Cooking the fresh cranberries down with water is what gives body to the simple syrup.
- Sugar – This adds sweetness to the simple syrup and when cooked down with the water it creates a syrup texture.
Cranberry mojito:
- Cranberry simple syrup – This homemade syrup is what takes this mojito from traditional to seasonal!
- Lime juice – Adds a bright citrus flavor to the drink and is commonly found in mojitos!
- Fresh mint – Fresh mint is a must for mojitos!
- Rum – This is the traditional mojito liquor.
- Seltzer water – Just a touch at the end to bring in a little effervescence. You could also use sparkling water or club soda.
Using the right type of rum
Do you want it to have a more traditional flavor?
Then you’ll want to use white rum.
Not a fan of white rum? I have used vodka in its place and while the outcome is delicious it does change the flavor profile.
Making this for a party
Want to make this cranberry mojito for a large crowd?
This recipe makes 4 cocktails so just scale up to make an amount that would work for your party.
You’ll want to hold off on adding the seltzer water until serving though.
Want another cranberry cocktail party recipe? Try this tasty spiced cranberry sangria!
More wintertime cocktails
- Looking for a classic vintage party cocktail? Try my Tom and Jerry Cocktail Recipe.
- Want sometimes totally different? Try my Aged Eggnog.
- Need a fancy and festive martini? Try my Eggnog Martini.
- Craving all things gingerbread? Try my Gingerbread Martini.
Cranberry Mojito
Ingredients
For cranberry simple syrup:
- 8 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For each drink:
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 ounces cranberry simple syrup
- 2 ounces rum
- Seltzer water
Instructions
For cranberry simple syrup:
- In a medium-sized saucepot add fresh cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Add to medium heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. You do not want the mixture to boil or the cranberries to burst.
- After all, the sugar is incorporated and the mixture takes on a pink hue, take it off the burner and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cranberry simple syrup is cool it's time to make the drink! You should have about 1 cup of simple syrup.
For each drink:
- In a tall glass add mint leaves and lime juice.
- Muddle slightly to release the mint flavor.
- Fill glass with ice and add in 2 ounces cranberry simple syrup and 2 ounces rum.
- Top with seltzer water and add some fresh cranberries for garnish.
Eden Passante
Monday 28th of November 2016
What a perfect drink to incorporate during the holidays! Love this recipe!
Lyn Maxwell
Tuesday 8th of December 2015
I live in Australia and it is not easy to get fresh cranberries, can I use dried cranberries as there are no other alternatives?. Thank You, Lyn xx
nutmegnanny
Saturday 16th of January 2016
I'm so sorry I'm just now getting back to you! I have never tried using dried cranberries but I feel like the taste might not be right. The fresh cranberries have a different taste than dried. Can you find fresh cranberries that are frozen in Australia?
Rhonda
Thursday 26th of November 2015
Not sure about ratios on this one -- 2 ounces of rum for a pitcher? or per drink? If the later is the case, then there is too much sugar. I wanted to make a pitcher before folks arrive......hmmm
nutmegnanny
Saturday 16th of January 2016
Hi Rhonda! I'm not sure if you got my original reply but I re-wrote the recipe to be more clear. Thanks!
Lori
Thursday 27th of December 2012
I made this for Christmas, and loved the festive colors! I misread the recipe though, and made way more simple syrup than I needed - not that having too many of these tasty drinks is a problem. :)
Nicole (MyLoveForCooking)
Monday 10th of December 2012
Love this! Mojitos are one of my favorites and this is a beauty you have here. Thank you for sharing. :)