There's something delightfully refreshing about fizz and fruit combined, and this Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe hits just that perfect note. It’s got a zingy sparkle from the ginger beer and a tart sweetness from cranberry juice that makes every sip feel festive and fresh.

A short glass with a frosted texture holds a bright red drink filled with crushed ice, almost reaching the top. On the surface, there are shiny, round red cranberries grouped together, along with a thin orange slice and a small green rosemary sprig standing upright near the edge. The glass sits on a white hexagonal coaster on a white marbled surface. Around the glass, there are more dry orange slices, clusters of red berries, golden small fruits, and green pine sprigs, adding festive colors and textures to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe because it’s so easy to throw together, yet it impresses every single time. It’s perfect for any celebration, and whether you’re making it for yourself or guests, it feels fancy without fuss.

Super Simple Ingredients: You only need three or four key players to create a balanced, flavorful drink that’s ready in minutes.
Natural Freshness: The tang of cranberry juice combined with spicy ginger beer feels both invigorating and comforting.
Flexible and Fun: You can easily add a splash of non-alcoholic rum or mix it with ginger kombucha for a nourishing twist.
Festive Vibes: Garnishes like rosemary and fresh cranberries make the drink look as special as it tastes, perfect for holiday or party moments.

A short glass filled with crushed ice and bright red liquid, topped with shiny fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of green rosemary, showing condensation on the outside. The glass has a gold rim and sits on a white hexagonal coaster. Around the glass are dried orange slices, more fresh cranberries, and green pine leaves on a white marbled surface. The background is clean and white. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This mocktail is a lovely balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. The cranberry juice adds the perfect punch of flavor, while ginger beer introduces a bubbly kick with warming ginger notes. Orange juice brightens the drink, adding a cheerful citrus twist that complements both flavors.

Flat lay of fresh whole cranberries scattered beside a small cluster of vibrant orange wedges, a few sprigs of fragrant green rosemary and thyme arranged neatly, and three small white ceramic bowls each holding bright red cranberry juice, slightly foamy pale golden ginger kombucha, and vivid orange juice, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cranberry juice: Choose 100% juice for natural tartness and a deep, festive red color.
Ginger beer: Look for a spicy, good-quality ginger beer; for a healthful twist, try ginger kombucha.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed packs the brightest flavor; store-bought works fine too.
Non-alcoholic rum or spirit (optional): Adds complexity but totally optional—great if you want to keep it completely alcohol-free.
Garnishes (cranberries, orange slices, rosemary or thyme): These not only elevate the look but add subtle aromatics and texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your mood or pantry. I often tweak the sweetness or add an extra zing depending on the occasion—and you can totally do the same!

Variation: Sometimes I swap ginger beer for ginger kombucha to add a probiotic boost—it’s a great way to sip healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal twist: In colder months, add a dash of cinnamon or clove for a warming note that feels cozy and festive.
Sweetness adjustment: If you find the tartness too sharp, a splash of simple syrup or a drizzle of honey mellows it beautifully.
Make it fancy: Add a few frozen cranberries as ice cubes to keep drinks cool without diluting the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe

Step 1: Start with a Glass Full of Ice

Fill your favorite glass or mug generously with ice. I usually pick a clear glass so I can admire the beautiful color of the mocktail as I build it — it really sets the mood.

Step 2: Pour in the Juices

Add 3 ounces of cranberry juice and 1 ounce of orange juice straight over the ice. I recommend measuring—this keeps the balance right every time. The combination of these two is what gives it that perfect fruity tang and brightness.

Step 3: Add the Ginger Beer for the Fizz

Slowly pour in about 4 ounces of ginger beer to keep that signature sparkle. If you’re curious, I love ginger kombucha here—it adds fizz plus a little something special for your gut health. Give it a gentle stir to mix, making sure not to lose too much fizz.

Step 4: Taste and Tweak

Give your mocktail a gentle stir and take a sip. If you want it more tart, add a splash more cranberry juice. Craving extra fizz or spice? A little more ginger beer will do the trick. Sometimes I add my optional 1 ounce of non-alcoholic rum or spirit here for a grown-up flair—it’s delicious, but you don’t have to.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a few fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch that feels festive. I love how the greenery adds a wintery vibe, especially during the holidays.

Top Tip

Through my many mocktail experiments, I’ve found a few simple tricks that make all the difference with this recipe. They’ll help you keep fresh flavors front and center every time.

Use Bold Cranberry Juice: Don’t settle for cranberry juice cocktail or sweetened blends—100% juice ensures that refreshing tartness that balances the ginger beer perfectly.
Gently Stir: Stir just enough to combine but not so much that your ginger beer loses its fizz—that sparkle is the star of the show.
Fresh Garnishes Count: A fresh sprig of rosemary or a few whole cranberries not only look stunning, they slowly infuse subtle aromas into the drink.
Adjust on the Fly: Taste as you go—everyone’s palate is different, and you’ll enjoy your mocktail most when it’s tailored exactly to your preference.

How to Serve Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple yet elegant: a few whole cranberries skewered on a cocktail pick, a thin slice of orange curled on the rim, and a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. It’s those little touches that turn a quick drink into a memorable one.

Side Dishes

This mocktail pairs beautifully with light, festive appetizers—think goat cheese crostini, smoked almonds, or fresh vegetable platters. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside holiday cookies and savory finger foods; it’s versatile enough for any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this mocktail in mason jars wrapped with twine and a small cinnamon stick for garnish. Another fun twist: convert it into a festive punch bowl by scaling up and adding frozen cranberries and orange slices as natural ice cubes—your guests will love how chic and inviting it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the mocktail in a sealed bottle or jar in the fridge. Because it has ginger beer, the fizz will mellow over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for that perfect sparkle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal here since the carbonation of ginger beer will dissipate and the texture may change. Instead, I recommend freezing a batch of cranberry and orange juice mixture separately, then adding fresh ginger beer just before serving.

Reheating

This mocktail is best served cold and fizzy, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you want a warm drink, consider a spiced cranberry tea instead, which I'll happily share if you're interested!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

Ginger ale is milder and sweeter compared to ginger beer, which has a stronger ginger kick and spicier flavor. You can use ginger ale, but expect a softer, less spicy profile in your mocktail.

Is the non-alcoholic rum necessary?

No, it’s completely optional. The non-alcoholic rum adds depth and complexity, but the mocktail tastes great without it—especially if you want to keep it simple and alcohol-free.

Can I make this mocktail in advance?

You can prepare the juice mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated, but add the ginger beer just before serving to preserve the fizz and freshness of the drink.

What garnishes work best with this mocktail?

Cranberries, orange slices, and fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs are the best garnishes since they add color, aroma, and a festive look that pairs well with the drink’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Mocktail with Ginger Beer Recipe became a go-to for me because it’s just so effortlessly festive and refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself, even on an ordinary day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for parties or a quiet moment of joy in your kitchen.