Description
This Holiday Cranberry Mojito is a festive twist on the classic mojito cocktail, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the refreshing aroma of mint and the bright zing of lime. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this cocktail dazzles your taste buds with its vibrant flavors and sparkling club soda, providing a delightful and refreshing drink that’s easy to make and wonderfully festive.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (frozen can be used if thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sweetening the cranberry syrup)
- 1/2 cup water (helps dissolve sugar and release cranberry juices)
Cocktail
- 10-20 fresh mint leaves (adds aromatic freshness)
- 4 tsp granulated sugar (for muddling)
- 4 tsp fresh lime juice (for flavor)
- 4 oz cranberry syrup (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 oz white or silver rum (about 1/2 cup)
- Ice cubes (for chilling)
- 4 oz club soda (about 1/2 cup)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
- Lime slices/wedges (for garnish, optional)
- Mint sprigs/leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their juices. This should take about 7 minutes. Once thickened slightly, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Muddle Mint and Sugar: In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves and 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Gently muddle using a muddler or the back of a spoon just enough to release the mint’s aromatic oils without tearing the leaves.
- Add Lime Juice and Cranberry Syrup: Pour in the fresh lime juice and cooled cranberry syrup into the muddled mint mixture. Stir gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Mix with Rum and Ice: Add the white or silver rum to the mixture. Fill the glass or shaker with ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly. Stir or shake lightly to mix well and cool the cocktail.
- Top with Club Soda: Pour the club soda over the cocktail mixture to add a refreshing sparkle. Stir gently to combine without losing the carbonation.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries, lime slices or wedges, and sprigs of mint. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, festive flavors of the Holiday Cranberry Mojito.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed frozen cranberries for best flavor in the syrup.
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the sugar in the syrup or omit the sugar when muddling mint.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and increase club soda or add sparkling water.
- Chilling your glasses beforehand will keep the mojito cool longer.
- Fresh lime juice offers the best bright flavor compared to bottled lime juice.
