Cranberry Mojito
This Cranberry Mojito recipe is my go-to refreshing holiday cocktail that’s tart and simple! Ready in just minutes with cranberry juice, rum, lime and fresh mint, this holiday mojito is bright, unfussy and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties or anytime you want festive drink without the effort.
Cranberry Mojito Recipe
Why You’ll Love this Cranberry Mojito
A Cranberry Mojito is an easy holiday cocktail idea that just works.
- Tart cranberry and fresh mint feels festive without being overly sweet.
- The ingredients are super simple and you can find them at most grocery stores.
- Like most of my quick and easy drink recipes, it comes together in just minutes.
- It’s great to serve for any holiday, but because of the bottled cranberry juice, you can make it year-round.
- Cranberry mojitos are easy to batch so you won’t get stuck playing bartender all night. (So is a Cranberry Moscow Mule!)
What is a Cranberry Mojito
A Cranberry Mojito is a holiday spin on the classic mojito cocktail recipe that is made with rum, mint, lime and sugar and originates in Cuba. The cranberry juice adds a tart flavor and a pretty color that looks so great in a glass.
The sharp flavor of the cranberries balances perfectly with the mint and rum. It’s familiar like a mojito but seasonal enough that it feels festive and special.
What does a Cranberry Mojito Taste Like
A Cranberry Mojito is refreshing with a boost of flavor from the tart cranberry juice. The mint keeps it fresh and cool, the lime adds some zing and the rum smooths it out. While there is sugar, it’s not sugary – just crisp, balanced and easy to sip.
For more cranberry recipes, try Cranberry Vodka Slush, Cranberry Brie Bites, Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, or Cranberry Christmas Cake.
How to Make a Cranberry Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- fresh mint leaves: It wouldn’t be a mojito without fresh mint!
- white sugar: White sugar is my favorite way to sweeten a cranberry mojito.
- cranberry juice: There are so many on the market. I used 100% cranberry juice, and you will definitely need to sweeten it up. You may not need to if you use a cranberry juice cocktail.
- fresh lime juice: It must be fresh lime.
- White Rum: Any white rum will work. Here I used Bacardi Silver, but I also like Cruzan.
- club soda
- fresh cranberries: for garnish (if desired)
NOTE: A classic mojito calls for muddled lime wedges, but I prefer to use lime juice in this cranberry mojito recipe since the cranberry juice can be tart. I didn’t want any extra bitterness from the lime peels.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full recipe and ingredient list.
Substitutions
Directions
Step 1
Add lime juice, mint and white sugar to your serving glass.
Using a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon!) muddle everything until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 2
Add cranberry juice to the glass.
NOTE: You’ll notice whole cranberries in the photo above. For some added color, I muddled a few in with the other ingredients. It really doesn’t enhance the flavor at all so it’s just for looks.
Step 3
Add the fresh lime juice and white rum to the glass. (*rum not pictured here on accident, oops).
Garnish with more mint and fresh whole cranberries or a lime slice, if desired.
Variations
- Switch out the spirits – I mentioned above you can use vodka, but you can also make a tequila mojito.
- Make it more festive – sub out the cranberry juice for my Spiced Cranberry Juice for extra holiday vibes! The cinnamon and nutmeg will really make it perfect for this time of year.
- Deluxe – make these Cranberry Mojitos extra luxurious by topping them up with champagne instead of soda water!
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! You can easily scale up a Cranberry Mojito for a crowd. You can use the servings adjuster in my printable recipe card to get the larger recipe. Add everything except for the club soda to a bar pitcher and make as noted above. Add ice to serving glasses, split the drink between the, top with club soda and garnish.
Yes, you can make a Cranberry Mojito mocktail. Leave out the rum and add extra cranberry juice. That’s it!
If the mint is brown, it may be bruised. Try muddling the mint a little more gently. You want the mint leaves to release the oils but you don’t need to be rough.
And search the site for “mojito”. I have tons of variations including a Blackberry Mojito.
Cranberry Mojito
Equipment
- muddler
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 TBSP white sugar
- 2 ounces cranberry juice chilled
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 2 ounces club soda chilled
Instructions
- Add fresh mint, sugar, cranberry juice, and fresh cranberries (if using) to a sturdy glass. Gently muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add rum and lime juice.
- Add ice, then top with club soda.
- Give it one quick stir.
- Garnish with mint and a few cranberries.