This Cranberry Christmas Cocktail is the kind of holiday drink that lives in my memory long after the last sip. I first mixed this together at a small December gathering years ago when I wanted something festive, easy, and bright that could be doubled into a punch bowl without losing its character. The marriage of tart cranberry juice with sweet, almond-scented amaretto and a splash of orange juice feels like holiday nostalgia in a glass — fruity, slightly nutty, and impossibly sipable. It’s the drink I reach for when I want something that looks festive but doesn’t demand barista skills.

It’s simple enough for a spontaneous nightcap yet elegant enough for a party centerpiece. The texture is clean and refreshing; the flavors balance tart and sweet with a gentle warming note from optional vodka. We served this at a family Christmas two years ago in a large punch bowl, garnished with floating orange wheels, rosemary sprigs, and fresh cranberries. The bowl disappeared fast. For a single serving, the cocktail is chilled, bright, and easy to riff on — and the sugar-rimmed glass option turns it into a showstopper.

Ingredients

• Sugar Rim (optional): Use an orange wedge and 2 tablespoons sugar for rimming. Run the wedge along the glass lip then dip into sugar for a frosted edge — it adds a sweet first sip and an elegant look.
• Cranberry Juice: For a single serving use 2 ounces. Choose 100% cranberry juice or a cranberry cocktail depending on desired sweetness. Look for brands like Ocean Spray or a not-from-concentrate variety for brighter flavor.
• Amaretto: 1 ounce per serving. Amaretto brings almond and vanilla notes; Disaronno is a classic choice that provides a smooth, sweet warmth.
• Vodka (optional): 1 ounce per serving if you want more punch. Use a neutral vodka like Tito’s or Smirnoff — add it only if you want the cocktail boozy without changing the flavor profile.
• Orange Juice: 1 ounce per serving. Fresh-squeezed is best for brightness; bottled is acceptable in a pinch. The citrus cuts the sweetness and lifts the mixture.
• Garnishes & Serving: Ice, fresh cranberries, orange slices or wedges, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, or mint sprigs to decorate and add aroma when serving.
• Punch Bowl Quantities (2 to 2.5 gallon): Without vodka: 10 cups cranberry juice, 5 cups amaretto, 5 cups orange juice. With vodka: 8 cups cranberry juice, 4 cups amaretto, 4 cups orange juice, 4 cups vodka. These proportions are balanced for a large gathering.

Instructions

Rim the Glass (Optional): Run an orange wedge around the outer rim of your chilled glass. Pour 2 tablespoons sugar onto a plate and dip the wet rim into the sugar, rolling to coat evenly. Set the glass aside so the sugar can set while you shake the drink. This creates a decorative, sweet edge that complements the tartness. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add 2 ounces cranberry juice, 1 ounce amaretto, 1 ounce orange juice, and 1 ounce vodka if using. Shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the ingredients are well combined — this chills and slightly dilutes the drink for a rounded flavor. Serve: Fill your prepared glass with ice and strain the shaken mixture over the ice. If you prefer a slightly lighter drink, serve over fresh larger ice cubes to slow dilution. For a punch approach, combine ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir well. Garnish and Finish: Float fresh cranberries and orange slices in the glass or punch bowl. Add a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary for aroma. Serve immediately with a small ladle if using a bowl, and encourage guests to add ice to their individual glasses.

Storage Tips

For single servings, it’s best consumed immediately after mixing to preserve the bright citrus and cranberry aromas. If you’re preparing the components ahead for a party, combine the cranberry juice, amaretto, and orange juice in a sealed pitcher and refrigerate up to 48 hours. If the recipe includes vodka, add it when you finish chilling; otherwise, alcohol can slightly mute fresh flavors over time. When storing punch, keep large ice blocks in the bowl rather than many small cubes to slow dilution. Leftovers kept cold in the fridge will be fine for 1–2 days; discard if the aroma becomes overly fermented or flat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a nut-free version, substitute amaretto with an equal measure of orange liqueur (like Cointreau) plus a drop of almond extract only if no nut allergy exists — otherwise, use triple sec for sweetness without the almond profile. For nonalcoholic guests, replace amaretto and vodka with additional orange juice and a splash of almond-flavored syrup (or omit the almond note entirely) and add sparkling water for fizz. For a tarter profile, swap a portion of cranberry juice for unsweetened pomegranate juice. When using bottled juices, taste first and adjust amaretto or sweetener; concentrate or cocktail-style cranberry juice will require less added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in crystal coupe glasses for a classic holiday vibe or in mason jars for a rustic gathering. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick for aroma; it smells like a Christmas wreath. Pair this drink with salty finger foods — roasted nuts, prosciutto-wrapped dates, or smoked gouda crostini — which contrast the fruity sweetness. For brunch, it complements baked French toast or a citrus fruit salad. Serve the punch bowl version on a decorative tray with ladle and small cups so guests can help themselves easily.

Cultural Background

The combination of cranberry and orange is a classic North American holiday flavor pairing, rooted in the abundance of cranberries around Thanksgiving and Christmas in the U.S. and Canada. Adding amaretto introduces an Italian liqueur with almond notes, creating a cross-cultural festive drink that blends New World fruit with Old World spirit. Punch bowls themselves have a long social history as communal vessels for celebration, dating back to the 17th century when punches were enjoyed at gatherings; this modern rendition keeps that spirit alive for contemporary holiday tables.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, enhance the drink with warm spices — a cinnamon stick or star anise in the punch adds festive complexity. For summer holiday parties, lighten the mixture with sparkling water or Prosecco and serve over crushed ice for a spritz-style version. Substitute fresh-squeezed blood orange juice in the winter months when available for deeper color and slightly sweeter flavor. Around New Year’s, add a float of sparkling wine to individual glasses just before serving for a celebratory touch.

Meal Prep Tips

Prepare the non-alcoholic base (cranberry + orange) up to 48 hours in advance and keep chilled. If you’re hosting, pre-slice oranges and store them in airtight containers to keep them from drying. For the punch bowl, freeze trays of cranberries or orange slices into ice cubes to keep the bowl festive while slowing dilution. Label your bowl with an ingredient card so guests with allergies know what’s inside. When reheating for a warm version, gently warm the mixture with spices but do not boil — alcohol evaporates quickly if heated too aggressively.

This drink is one of those holiday wins that keeps on giving: approachable, attractive, and adaptable. Whether you’re crafting a single flute for a quiet evening by the tree or ladling from a glittering punch bowl at a party, it’s built to make the season feel a little brighter. Give it your own twist, and enjoy sharing it with friends and family.