Holiday Cranberry Gin Sparkler

Festive & Easy Cranberry Gin and Tonic: Your Go-To Recipe for a Perfect Holiday Cocktail

As an avid fan of the classic gin and tonic, I’m constantly exploring new and exciting variations to elevate this timeless cocktail. This particular Cranberry Gin and Tonic recipe started as a simple test run for a gathering with friends and family, but from the very first sip, it was clear this concoction was something special! Its vibrant color, refreshing taste, and delightful cranberry twist instantly made it a new favorite. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, especially perfect for those seeking a unique and simple gin cocktail that truly impresses.

Gorgeous Christmas ornament shaped glass filled with festive cranberry gin tonic, placed on glass coaster.

This variation on the classic gin and tonic is particularly enchanting during the holiday season. Its beautiful ruby hue and festive flavor profile make it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and any winter celebration. The combination of crisp gin, effervescent tonic, and tart cranberry juice creates a harmonious blend that feels both luxurious and comforting. However, don’t let its holiday appeal fool you; this cranberry gin cocktail is so irresistibly delicious and wonderfully refreshing that you’ll find yourself wanting to enjoy it all year long. It’s a versatile drink that brightens any occasion, from relaxed summer barbecues to cozy autumn evenings by the fireplace.

You’ll absolutely adore the scrumptious cranberry flavor, which adds a tart and sweet dimension that beautifully complements the gin’s botanical notes. What makes this recipe even better is how incredibly quick and easy it is to prepare. Forget spending endless time behind the bar mixing complicated drinks; this cranberry gin and tonic allows you to whip up sophisticated, vibrant cocktails in mere minutes. This frees you up to spend more quality time enjoying the company of your loved ones, making it the perfect simple gin and tonic recipe for hosts who want to impress without the stress.

National Gin and Tonic Day is on April 9th! Celebrate this beloved cocktail with a delightful cranberry twist!

🎥 Watch How to Make It: Cranberry Gin and Tonic Video Guide

To ensure you perfectly craft this delicious Cranberry Gin and Tonic, we’ve prepared a comprehensive step-by-step video guide. Watch as we demonstrate each stage of the mixing process, from chilling your glass to adding the perfect garnish. This visual aid is designed to help you confidently create a flawless gin cocktail every time, making your entertaining effortless and enjoyable, even if you’re new to mixology.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist looking for new inspiration or a beginner eager to learn, our video will guide you through the process, highlighting key techniques for a truly exceptional cranberry gin drink that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Crafting the perfect Cranberry Gin and Tonic begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. While the recipe is straightforward, the nuances of each component play a significant role in the final flavor profile and overall enjoyment. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for making the best choices for your festive gin cocktail:

Three ingredients are required for mixing a cranberry gin cocktail.
  • Ice Cubes: The foundation of any truly refreshing cocktail! Make sure your ice cubes are fresh, solid, and generously fill your glass to the brim. More ice means slower melting and less dilution, ensuring your drink stays colder and crisper for longer. Consider using large ice spheres or cubes for an even slower melt and a more professional look.
  • Gin of Your Choice: This is where you can truly personalize your cranberry gin and tonic. Different gins offer distinct botanical profiles, ranging from juniper-forward London Dry styles to more floral, citrusy, or even savory new-wave gins. For a classic and balanced taste, a good quality London Dry gin works wonderfully. If you prefer something a bit sweeter or more aromatic, an Old Tom gin or a modern floral gin could be an excellent choice. Don’t hesitate to check out our complete guide to gin and tonic for inspiration and to find the perfect gin for your unique palate.
  • Cranberry Juice: The vibrant star of this festive gin cocktail. For the best, most authentic flavor and striking color, opt for 100% cranberry juice without added sugars, if possible. This allows you to control the sweetness of your drink. If you prefer a sweeter beverage, a cranberry cocktail blend (which typically contains added sugar) will also work. The natural tartness of pure cranberry juice beautifully balances the botanicals of the gin and the bitterness of the tonic, creating a complex and invigorating taste experience.
  • Tonic Water: The other essential half of the gin and tonic equation. Just like gin, tonic water comes in a wide variety of styles and flavor profiles. A high-quality tonic water will significantly enhance your drink. Consider premium tonic brands that offer different nuances, such as classic Indian tonic for a clean bitter note, Mediterranean tonic with its herbal and citrus undertones, or an elderflower tonic for a subtly sweeter, floral touch. Avoid overly sweet or artificially flavored tonics, as they can easily overpower the delicate flavors of the gin and cranberry.
  • Garnishes: While optional, garnishes are highly recommended as they elevate both the visual appeal and aromatic experience of your cranberry gin and tonic, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
    • Orange Wedge: Provides a bright citrus aroma and a touch of sweet, fresh fruitiness that complements the cranberry.
    • Rosemary Twig: Introduces an earthy, piney, and slightly savory scent that beautifully contrasts and enhances the botanicals in the gin and the tartness of the cranberry. Gently slap the rosemary sprig against your palm before adding it to release its fragrant essential oils.
    • Drinking Straw: (Reusable, please!) Essential for comfortable sipping, especially when using specific glass types. To be environmentally conscious, opt for durable metal, elegant glass, or biodegradable paper straws, or simply forgo one altogether if the glass allows.
    • Fresh Cranberries: (Optional, but highly recommended for an extra festive touch!) A few fresh cranberries floating in your drink will add an additional pop of vibrant color and a subtle tart burst as you sip, making the drink even more visually appealing for holiday gatherings.

For precise quantities and measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post, designed to guide you to cocktail perfection.

👣 Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Mixing Your Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Follow these simple steps, accompanied by clear images, to effortlessly create your refreshing cranberry gin and tonic cocktail. Whether you’re making a single drink for yourself or preparing for a small gathering, this visual guide will ensure a perfect result every time, making the process both fun and rewarding.

Add the gin to the stirring glass, filled with cubed ice.
Add your chosen gin to a glass brimming with ice.
Pour the cranberry juice, into the mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
Introduce the vibrant cranberry juice.
Fill up the stirring glass with tonic water.
Top off with effervescent tonic water.
Give the cranberry gin and tonic a good stir.
Gently stir to combine all the delightful flavors.
Fill up the Christmas ornament shaped glasses with cranberry gin tonic using a funnel.
Pour your perfectly mixed cranberry gin tonic into your serving glass.
Gorgeous Christmas ornament shaped glass filled with festive cranberry gin tonic, placed on glass coaster.
Garnish and savor your homemade cranberry gin and tonic!

🔪 Detailed Instructions for Your Cranberry Gin Cocktail

Creating this delightful cranberry gin and tonic is surprisingly simple, making it accessible for any home bartender. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps, ensuring a perfectly balanced and visually appealing cocktail every time.

Method 1: Direct Build in a Highball or Balloon Glass (Standard Approach)

This is the most common and easiest method for making a single serving of a gin and tonic. It’s ideal when you want to minimize equipment and get to sipping quickly, perfect for a quick and refreshing drink.

  1. Chill Your Glass: Start by ensuring your chosen highball or balloon glass is thoroughly chilled. You can achieve this by placing it in the freezer for at least 15-30 minutes beforehand, or by simply filling it with ice water for a few minutes and then discarding the water. A cold glass keeps your drink colder for longer and prevents premature dilution, maintaining the crispness of your cranberry gin and tonic.
  2. Fill with Ice: Generously fill your chilled glass to the very brim with fresh, solid ice cubes. The more ice you use, the slower it will melt, preventing your cocktail from becoming watery too quickly and preserving its robust flavors.
  3. Add Gin and Cranberry Juice: Measure and pour your preferred gin and the cranberry juice directly into the ice-filled glass. A typical highball glass holds between 240 ml (1 cup) and 350 ml (1 ½ cups) of liquid. Always refer to the recipe card for precise ratios and adjust according to your glass size.
  4. Top with Tonic Water: Gently top off the mixture with tonic water. Pour slowly and steadily down the side of the glass to preserve the tonic’s precious effervescence and ensure a lively, bubbly cocktail.
  5. Gentle Stir: Give the cocktail a quick, gentle stir with a bar spoon. This ensures all ingredients are well combined and chilled without losing too much of the tonic’s fizz, which is crucial for a perfectly balanced gin and tonic.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish your cranberry gin and tonic with an elegant orange wedge, a fragrant rosemary twig (gently clap it in your hands first to release its aromatics), and a reusable drinking straw. For an extra festive touch, you can also float a few fresh cranberries.

Method 2: Mixing in a Stirring Glass (For Specialty Glasses or Batching)

If you’re using delicate or unusually shaped glasses (like the festive Christmas ornament-shaped glasses shown in the images), or if you plan to make a larger batch for multiple servings, using a separate stirring glass is highly recommended. This method allows for precise mixing, proper chilling, and prevents potential spills or damage to specialty glassware.

  1. Prepare Stirring Glass: Fill your stirring glass generously with fresh, cubed ice. This provides the necessary chill and a slight, desirable dilution for the cocktail before it’s served.
  2. Combine Liquids: Add your chosen gin and the cranberry juice to the stirring glass. For a batch intended for two servings, you will add the combined gin and cranberry juice, then fill up with tonic. A highball glass holds 240-350 ml (1 to 1 ½ cups), so for two servings, you’d typically add approximately 2 to 3 cups of tonic to the stirring glass, adjusting based on your desired strength and the volume of your serving glasses. Always refer to the recipe card for precise ratios for the best cranberry gin and tonic.
  3. Stir Until Chilled: Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. This process chills the liquids thoroughly and provides a slight, desirable dilution, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
  4. Strain and Pour: Once mixed and thoroughly chilled, carefully strain your cranberry gin and tonic into your pre-chilled serving glasses. Use a Hawthorn or Julep strainer to hold back the ice, ensuring a clear, perfectly chilled drink without excess dilution from melting ice in the serving glass. If your specialty glasses are particularly narrow, a funnel can be an invaluable tool to prevent spills and maintain a clean serving area.
  5. Garnish Beautifully: Complete this festive cranberry gin and tonic with an elegant orange wedge, a fresh rosemary twig, and an eco-friendly drinking straw. For an extra touch of holiday cheer and visual appeal, consider floating a few fresh cranberries directly in the glass.

No matter which method you choose, the ultimate goal is a perfectly chilled, beautifully balanced, and incredibly refreshing cranberry gin and tonic, ready to be savored and shared!

Gorgeous Christmas ornament shaped glass filled with festive cranberry gin tonic, placed on glass coaster.

🍸 Creative Variations & Customizations for Your Cranberry Gin and Tonic

One of the most exciting aspects of gin cocktails, and especially a gin and tonic, is the immense potential for customization. The classic gin and tonic boasts an endless array of varieties thanks to the vast selection of gins and tonic waters available globally. Each gin brings a unique botanical profile, and every tonic offers a different sweetness and bitterness, allowing for truly personalized creations. For an in-depth exploration of gin and tonic pairings, check out our comprehensive Gin & Tonic Guide.

Specifically for this delightful cranberry gin and tonic, you have several wonderful options to tailor it to your taste or the specific occasion:

  • Cranberry Juice Variations: Beyond standard cranberry juice, consider using a cranberry nectar for a sweeter, less tart drink. For a more intense cranberry flavor and natural sweetness, you could even muddle a few fresh or frozen cranberries directly at the bottom of your glass before adding ice. A homemade or store-bought cranberry syrup can also provide a richer flavor and controllable sweetness, adding depth to your cranberry gin cocktail.
  • Gin Selection: As mentioned in the ingredients section, your choice of gin significantly impacts the final taste. A bright, citrus-forward gin will enliven the drink, while a more herbal or floral gin can add intriguing layers of complexity. Experiment with different brands and botanical profiles to find your perfect pairing for a unique cranberry gin and tonic.
  • Tonic Water Pairings: Don’t underestimate the power of tonic! A classic Indian tonic will give you a crisp, traditional base. For a more sophisticated profile, try a Mediterranean tonic, which often includes delicate rosemary and thyme notes that would beautifully complement the cranberry and orange garnish. An elderflower tonic, on the other hand, could add a lovely floral sweetness, making the cocktail even more delicate and aromatic.
  • Spice it Up for the Holidays: For an extra festive and warming touch, infuse your cranberry gin and tonic with aromatic spices. A cinnamon stick or a star anise pod gently stirred into the drink can add a wonderful aromatic depth, perfect for winter celebrations and holiday cheer. You could also prepare a simple cranberry-spiced syrup beforehand for a more integrated flavor.
  • Herbal Accents: While fresh rosemary is a fantastic choice, explore other fresh herbs like a sprig of fresh thyme or a crushed sage leaf for different aromatic dimensions. These can introduce subtle, complex notes that elevate the entire drinking experience.
  • Alternative Citrus Twists: Instead of or in addition to an orange wedge, a lime wheel, a lemon slice, or even a grapefruit segment can introduce a different citrus zest that complements the cranberry’s tartness in unique ways. A twist of citrus peel can also add a beautiful aromatic spray.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: If your cranberry juice is particularly tart, or if you simply prefer a sweeter cocktail, feel free to add a small dash of simple syrup, a touch of agave nectar, or a drop of maple syrup. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to taste, ensuring your cranberry gin and tonic is perfectly balanced for your palate.
  • Frozen Cranberries as Ice: For a delightful and practical variation, use frozen cranberries instead of traditional ice cubes! They will keep your drink perfectly cold without diluting it, and they add an extra burst of cranberry flavor as they slowly thaw, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal.

By playing with these creative variations, you can craft a truly unique and personalized cranberry gin and tonic that perfectly suits your preferences and the mood of any event, making every sip an adventure.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Crafting Your Cranberry Gin and Tonic

While this cranberry gin and tonic is relatively simple to make, having the right tools can make the process even smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable, ensuring a professional-quality cocktail at home. Here’s a list of recommended equipment for your home bar:

  • Cocktail Stirring Glass: This is ideal for mixing and chilling your ingredients without shaking. Shaking can sometimes over-aerate and dilute the tonic too much, diminishing its effervescence. A sturdy stirring glass ensures a smooth, well-integrated, and perfectly chilled cranberry gin cocktail.
  • Bar Spoon: A long-handled bar spoon is crucial for gently stirring the cocktail in the stirring glass or directly in your serving glass. Its length allows for thorough mixing and chilling without splashing or prematurely losing the tonic’s fizz.
  • Funnel: Especially useful if you’re pouring into specialty glasses with narrow openings, like the elegant Christmas ornament glasses featured in this recipe. A funnel prevents spills, ensures a clean presentation, and makes the serving process much easier.
  • Jigger: A jigger is a bartender’s indispensable tool for precise measurements. Accurate ratios are absolutely key to achieving a balanced cocktail, especially when adjusting for different strengths or serving sizes of your cranberry gin and tonic.
  • Hawthorn or Julep Strainer: If you’re mixing your cocktail in a separate stirring glass, a strainer is essential. It allows you to pour the liquid into your serving glass while holding back the ice from the stirring glass, ensuring a clear, perfectly chilled drink without excess dilution from melting ice.
  • Highball Glasses or Christmas Ornament Glasses (Chilled): The serving vessel significantly impacts the drinking experience. Highball glasses are classic for Gin & Tonics, but festive glasses like ornament shapes add a unique, celebratory touch. Always ensure your chosen glasses are thoroughly chilled beforehand to maintain the cocktail’s ideal temperature and crispness.

While some of these items are optional for a very basic gin and tonic, investing in quality bar equipment can significantly enhance your home cocktail-making experience and the overall quality of your drinks, making every cranberry gin and tonic a masterpiece.

🌡 Storage & Best Practices for Your Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Unlike some spirits that can age gracefully or certain ingredients that can be prepped far in advance, cocktails like the Cranberry Gin and Tonic are designed for immediate enjoyment. They are at their absolute peak flavor and effervescence right after preparation. There are several compelling reasons why this refreshing drink should be savored immediately:

  • Tonic Water Fades: The primary reason is the delicate nature of tonic water. Its signature effervescence, which contributes so much to the crisp, lively, and refreshing character of a gin and tonic, will inevitably go flat over time. Once the bubbles dissipate, the drink loses its refreshing sparkle and much of its vibrant appeal.
  • Ice Dilution: Even with perfectly chilled glasses and plenty of ice, the ice will slowly but surely melt, gradually diluting your cocktail. While a little dilution is desirable to mellow the drink, too much will water down the flavors, diminishing the vibrant taste of the cranberry and the complex botanicals of the gin.
  • Freshness of Garnishes: Fresh garnishes like orange wedges and rosemary sprigs contribute essential aromatic oils that are most potent and fragrant when freshly cut. Their freshness, and thus their aromatic contribution, fades quickly over time, impacting the overall sensory experience of your cranberry gin and tonic.

Preparing Ahead for Parties: If you’re hosting a party and want to streamline the drink preparation process, you can certainly take some steps in advance. Pre-measure your gin and cranberry juice and keep them chilled in separate bottles or a pitcher. Then, when guests arrive, simply combine the pre-mix with fresh ice and top with cold tonic water on demand. This “build-as-you-go” method ensures that every guest receives a perfectly fresh, effervescent, and flavorful cranberry gin and tonic, maintaining the high quality of your festive gin drinks while still being convenient for the host.

💭 Top Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Elevate your home bartending skills and ensure every cranberry gin and tonic you make is exceptional with these expert tips and tricks:

  • The Power of a Chilled Glass: When preparing any gin and tonic cocktail, it’s paramount to start with a thoroughly chilled glass. Always hold your highball glasses from the bottom and avoid touching the rim with your warm hands. This simple practice helps to keep your chilled glass nice and cool, significantly enhancing the drinking experience by maintaining the cocktail’s ideal temperature and crispness. For optimal chilling, place your glasses in the freezer for at least half an hour. If you’re planning a party, feel free to put them in the freezer the night before for maximum chill!
  • Ice, Ice Baby: Do not skimp on ice. Fill your glass to the very top with fresh, solid ice cubes. The more ice you use, the slower it will melt, preventing your cranberry gin and tonic from becoming watery too quickly. Large format ice cubes or spheres are excellent for this purpose, as they have less surface area exposed to the liquid and melt more slowly, providing sustained chill without excessive dilution.
  • Gentle Stirring is Key: When combining your gin, cranberry juice, and tonic, a gentle stir with a bar spoon is all that’s needed. Over-stirring can cause the tonic to lose its precious carbonation, resulting in a flat and less refreshing drink. Stir just enough to incorporate the ingredients and chill them evenly.
  • The Right Pour for Tonic: Pour your tonic water slowly and deliberately, preferably down the side of the glass. This technique helps to preserve its effervescence, ensuring your festive gin cocktail remains bubbly, lively, and wonderfully refreshing from the first sip to the last.
  • Direct Mix vs. Stirring Glass: For standard highball glasses, mixing directly in the serving glass is perfectly fine and highly efficient. However, as demonstrated with our charming Christmas ornament glasses, using a separate stirring glass offers more control, especially for delicate or uniquely shaped glassware. After mixing and chilling the cocktail in the stirring glass, use a funnel to neatly pour the cranberry gin and tonic into your prepared serving vessels. This is also a great method if you’re making a slightly larger batch for multiple guests.
  • Temperature Matters (Especially for Outdoor Parties): If you’re serving this cranberry gin and tonic at an outdoor party, particularly if you’re using novelty glasses without ice cubes directly in them, ensure your serving glasses are absolutely ice-cold. While the drink won’t keep super cold indefinitely without direct ice, starting with a frigid glass helps extend its chill, making it a perfect refreshing drink for any al fresco event.
  • Garnish with Purpose: Garnishes aren’t just for looks; they significantly add to the aromatic complexity and overall experience of your cocktail. Gently clap rosemary sprigs between your palms before adding them to release their essential oils. Ensure orange wedges are freshly cut and vibrant.
  • Embrace Eco-Friendly Straws: In an effort to protect our environment and reduce unnecessary waste, I highly encourage you to avoid using disposable plastic straws whenever possible. Opt for reusable options made of durable metal or elegant glass, or choose environmentally friendly paper straws. Better yet, if the cocktail and glass allow, simply forgo a straw altogether and enjoy your cranberry gin and tonic directly from the rim.
  • Experiment with Ratios: The “perfect” cranberry gin and tonic ratio is ultimately a matter of personal preference. While our recipe provides an excellent starting point, feel free to adjust the amounts of gin, cranberry juice, and tonic to suit your individual taste. Some prefer a stronger gin presence, others more cranberry sweetness or tartness, and some like a lighter tonic flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

By incorporating these thoughtful tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of the cranberry gin and tonic, creating consistently delicious and impressively presented drinks that delight everyone.

🙋🏻 Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Cranberry Gin and Tonic, providing you with all the insights you need for this delightful cocktail:

What juice goes best with gin for cocktails?

When it comes to adding a vibrant splash of flavor to your gin cocktails, particularly gin and tonics, the “best” juice is ultimately a matter of personal preference and desired flavor profile. Cranberry juice, as brilliantly featured in this recipe, is a phenomenal choice due to its delightful balance of tartness and beautiful ruby color, making it a perfect complement to the botanical notes of gin. Beyond cranberry, many people find orange juice, mango juice, and pineapple juice to be excellent additions, offering a tropical and sweet twist. The world of gin and tonic variations is vast and exciting, so don’t hesitate to explore different juice combinations to discover your ultimate favorite!

How many calories are in a typical Cranberry Gin and Tonic drink?

In a typical Cranberry Gin and Tonic, you can expect the calorie count to be around 100-150 calories per serving, give or take. This estimate can vary based on several factors: the specific gin used (some gins have slightly more calories than others), the type of cranberry juice (100% juice vs. a cranberry cocktail blend with added sugars), and the tonic water chosen (regular tonic vs. diet/light tonic). Using diet tonic and 100% unsweetened cranberry juice will naturally result in a lower calorie count for your refreshing gin cocktail.

What are the potential health benefits of cranberries when mixed with gin?

While we’re primarily enjoying this drink for its delicious taste and festive appeal, it’s a pleasant bonus to know that cranberries themselves offer several great health benefits! Cranberries are well-known for their potential to lower the risk of urinary tract infections, help decrease blood pressure, and boost the immune system due to their high antioxidant content. So, while gin is for enjoyment, the cranberry juice in your cranberry gin and tonic brings a little extra goodness to the mix, making it a flavorful choice with a healthful perk!

What ingredients or flavors pair well with gin and tonic?

Gin and tonic is an incredibly versatile cocktail, allowing for a wide range of complementary pairings that can dramatically change its character. Cranberry juice is, of course, a fantastic match, offering a beautiful balance of tartness and sweetness. Beyond cranberries, many fruits and herbs naturally enhance the botanical notes of gin. Classic pairings include fresh lime, lemon, refreshing cucumber slices, and aromatic rosemary sprigs. For a more adventurous twist, consider tropical juices like orange, mango, and pineapple for a sweeter, fruitier experience. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, grapefruit segments, or even a hint of spice like black peppercorns or cardamom pods can transform your gin and tonic into a bespoke creation. Experimentation is key to discovering your absolute favorite gin cocktail pairings!

Can I make a large batch of Cranberry Gin and Tonic for a party?

Yes, you can certainly prepare components for a large batch of Cranberry Gin and Tonic to make entertaining easier! However, due to the delicate carbonation in tonic water, it’s best not to mix the entire cocktail far in advance. Instead, we recommend pre-mixing your gin and cranberry juice in a pitcher or dispenser and keeping this base mixture chilled in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, guests (or you) can simply pour the pre-mix over ice in individual glasses and top with fresh, cold tonic water. This method ensures maximum fizziness and flavor for everyone, making it a perfect and convenient festive gin drink for entertaining a crowd.

What kind of gin works best for a Cranberry Gin and Tonic?

The “best” gin for a Cranberry Gin and Tonic largely depends on your personal preference and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. A classic London Dry Gin, with its strong juniper base, works wonderfully, allowing the cranberry’s tartness and sweetness to shine through. However, if you prefer a smoother, more citrusy, or even floral profile, consider a New Western Dry Gin or a gin infused with botanicals like orange blossom or elderflower. These can add another subtle layer of complexity that harmonizes beautifully with the cranberry, creating a truly unique gin cocktail. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite gin to find the perfect balance!

OTHER DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY

If you loved this Cranberry Gin and Tonic, you’ll be thrilled to discover other exciting cocktail creations and related recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from simple gatherings to grand celebrations:

  • The Complete Guide to Gin & Tonic
  • How to Make a Refreshing Strawberry Spritz Cocktail
  • Refreshing Lavender Daiquiri
  • How to Make a Snowball Cocktail
  • Homemade Vodka Sidecar
  • Lovely Lavender Spritz Cocktail

We hope you enjoy exploring these other delightful drink recipes and continue to expand your home bartending repertoire, bringing joy to your palate and your guests!

If you try this delightful Cranberry Gin and Tonic recipe, please let me know how you liked it! I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear your feedback and see your creations. Don’t forget to give it a ★★★★★ star rating and leave a comment below. Your input is incredibly valuable and truly makes my day! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes straight to your inbox. For more inspiration and behind-the-scenes content, follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your cranberry gin creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss seeing your amazing drinks!

📖 Recipe: Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Gorgeous Christmas ornament shaped glass filled with festive cranberry gin tonic, placed on glass coaster.

Cranberry Gin and Tonic Cocktail

Nora

Enjoy the perfect blend of tart cranberry and refreshing gin with this easy-to-make Cranberry Gin and Tonic cocktail. This recipe is simple, and the vibrant flavors are absolutely delightful for any occasion!

5 from 42 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Course Cocktails
Cuisine Global cuisine

Servings 2 Servings
Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

  • Cocktail stirring glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Funnel
  • Jigger
  • Hawthorn or Julep Strainer
  • 2 Highball Glasses or Christmas ornament glasses – chilled