Cranberry Mojito

The mojito has always been a warm-weather favorite, but this cranberry version is perfect for the holiday season. Fresh cranberries and pure cranberry juice join the traditional mint and lime to create a cocktail that stays true to the classic mojito while adding seasonal cranberry flavor.

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If you love cranberry cocktails, try our cranberry margarita, cranberry Manhattan, or cranberry Moscow Mule for more festive cocktails that bring holiday cheer to your glass.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this refreshing holiday twist on a classic mojito cocktail in no time!

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Pure Cranberry Juice: We use 100% pure cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail or cranberry juice blend. This gives the drink a natural tartness and true cranberry flavor. If you find it too tart, add a touch more of simple syrup to taste.
• Mint: Fresh mint leaves are key to any mojito. They bring that classic, cool, refreshing note that makes a mojito distinctive. Choose bright, fresh leaves for the best flavor.
• White Rum: This forms the cocktail’s base. Use a good-quality white rum for the cleanest taste. For a non-alcoholic version, you could substitute white grape juice or club soda.
• Lime Juice: Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lime juice will work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.
• Club Soda: This adds the signature fizz to the mojito. You could use sparkling water as an alternative.
• Simple Syrup: We make our own using a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar (1 cup water to 1 cup granulated sugar). Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then cool before using. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For an extra cranberry kick, try our cranberry simple syrup instead of traditional simple syrup.

How to Make a Cranberry Mojito

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: For an extra layer of cranberry flavor, make cranberry simple syrup by adding 1 cup of fresh cranberries to your sugar-and-water mixture. The cranberries will burst as they cook, infusing the syrup with their flavor. Strain before storing. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, and the leftover cranberries make a delicious topping for holiday pancakes or waffles.

1. Muddle the Mint: In a highball glass, gently muddle mint leaves with a splash of simple syrup. Don’t over-muddle – you’re just looking to release the oils from the leaves to bring out their fresh flavor.

2. Make the Cocktail: Add the rum, pure cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice to the glass. Then, fill the glass with ice. Top off the mojito with club soda and gently stir to combine. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a sprig of mint, and a lime wheel.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Adjust the sweetness. The simple syrup lets you control the sweetness. Since pure cranberry juice is quite tart, adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste.
• Fresh is best. For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh mint leaves and pure cranberry juice. The difference is noticeable!
• Muddle gently. When muddling the mint, be gentle. Over-muddling can release bitter flavors from the leaves.
• Make it a mocktail. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and add a bit more club soda.