This Spiced Rum Cranberry cocktail is a simple highball that tastes like Christmas in a glass. Spiced rum brings warm baking spice, cranberry juice adds tart fruit flavor, and a hint of orange rounds everything out for an easy holiday drink you can build right in the glass.
Spiced Rum Cranberry
Ingredients
- 2 ounces spiced rum
- 4 ounces cranberry juice (100 percent juice preferred)
- 1 ounce orange juice or pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup, to taste (optional)
- Ice
- Orange wheel or lime wedge, for garnish
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill the glass. Add ice to a rocks glass or tall highball glass.
- Add the rum and juices. Pour in the spiced rum, cranberry juice, and orange juice. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add simple syrup.
- Stir. Gently stir for 10 to 15 seconds until the drink is chilled and well combined.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with an orange wheel or lime wedge and a few fresh cranberries. Serve immediately.
Bartender notes
- Use a good quality spiced rum. The vanilla and baking spice notes are what make this cocktail feel like the holidays.
- Choose 100 percent cranberry juice if you like a tart drink, or cranberry cocktail if you want more sweetness without syrup.
- On busy event nights we build this drink right in the glass so guests are not waiting on shakers and strainers.
- For a lighter option, top with a splash of club soda or ginger ale once the cocktail is mixed.
How we serve this at events
We use this Spiced Rum Cranberry as a go to welcome drink for holiday parties that want something simple with a seasonal look. At one office party we lined up a tray of these with sugared cranberries on picks and they disappeared before the first speech started. It is easy for the bar staff to keep pouring and still looks like a signature Christmas cocktail in photos.
Variations
- Spiced Rum Cranberry Mule Build the drink in a copper mug with spiced rum and cranberry juice, then top with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime.
- Spiced Rum Cranberry Spritz Use 2 ounces spiced rum and 3 ounces cranberry juice, then top with club soda or prosecco for a lighter, bubbly drink.
- Spiced Rum Cranberry Punch In a pitcher combine spiced rum, cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup to taste. Chill and serve over ice with citrus slices and cranberries.
- Cranberry Orange Spiced Rum Skip the pineapple and use orange juice only, plus a thin orange wheel and cinnamon stick for more winter citrus character.
- Non alcoholic cranberry spice highball Replace spiced rum with cinnamon simple syrup or spiced apple cider and keep the cranberry and orange the same for a holiday friendly mocktail.
Spiced Rum Cranberry FAQs
Does cranberry go well with spiced rum?
Yes. Cranberry is one of the best mixers for spiced rum. The tart cranberry balances the sweetness and baking spice notes in the rum so the drink tastes sharp, sweet, and seasonal instead of heavy.
What is the best thing to mix with spiced rum?
Some of the best mixers for spiced rum are cranberry juice, cola, ginger beer, pineapple juice, and apple cider. Cranberry is our winter favorite because it gives you holiday color and a clean finish in one pour.
Do rum and cranberry taste good together?
Rum and cranberry taste great together, especially when you use spiced rum. The smooth rum base and tart cranberry juice create a balanced cocktail that works for casual nights in or as a simple Christmas party drink.
How strong is a Spiced Rum Cranberry cocktail?
With 2 ounces of spiced rum topped with juice, this drink lands in the same range as a standard mixed drink. If you want it lighter, use 1 and 1/2 ounces of rum and add a splash of club soda.
Can I batch Spiced Rum Cranberry for a party?
Yes. Stir together spiced rum, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a pitcher and chill. Pour over ice to serve and adjust sweetness with simple syrup as needed.
What garnish should I use for a Spiced Rum Cranberry?
Orange wheels, lime wedges, and fresh cranberries are classic. For extra holiday flair, add a small rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick.
Can I make this drink less sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry juice, skip the simple syrup, and add a squeeze of fresh lime. You can also lengthen the drink with club soda or soda water.
What is the difference between white rum and spiced rum in a cranberry cocktail?
White rum gives you a lighter, cleaner cranberry drink, while spiced rum adds vanilla and baking spice notes that make the cocktail feel more like a Christmas highball.
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