Last December, I decided to host a holiday party and, as usual, my neighbor Kris surprised us all by arriving with a batch of this absolutely gorgeous red cocktail. It was one of those drinks that stops conversation: suddenly everyone was asking what it was and whether there was enough for seconds. Kris called it a Cranberry Kringle Cocktail, and it quickly became the unofficial star of the night.
I’ve made it a bunch of times since and have tinkered with the recipe – more lime some days, a little extra mint on others – to get it exactly how I like it. It’s festive without being fussy: tart cranberry juice meets crisp lime, a burst of mint, and just enough vodka for gentle warmth. If you’re picturing something syrupy, don’t; this drink is bright, vibrant, and surprisingly balanced. It looks lovely in a glass, too – especially near a cluster of Christmas lights. (Pro tip: the red color DOES make it feel extra fancy.)
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Apparently the “Kringle” part of the name nods to Scandinavian holiday traditions, although the connection is mostly about the vibe, not the flavor. I read that recipes like this started popping up in the ‘70s as a lighter alternative to some of the heavier holiday punches, but I’ve honestly found it works all year round. The mint makes it fresh enough for summer, while the cranberry keeps it right at home in winter.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 oz vodka (pick your favorite – I usually grab Tito’s)
- 3 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened if you can get it)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice (bottled lime juice will do, but fresh is worth the tiny bit of extra work)
- ½ oz simple syrup (more or less depending on your sweet tooth)
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves, plus a little extra for garnish
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Glassware-wise: I like a highball glass simply because the bright red just looks awesome in something tall and clear, but a Collins glass works fine, too.
How to put it together:
- Gently muddle the mint leaves in your cocktail shaker – just enough to release the oils, not so much that they get bruised and bitter. (I learned this the hard way when my first batch tasted weirdly leafy.)
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker three-quarters with ice, pop on the lid, and shake until it feels almost too cold to hold – about 12-15 seconds.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain in the drink.
- Garnish with that extra mint sprig and a lime wheel. The scent of the mint really does make the first sip even better.
If you’ve got someone skipping alcohol (my brother-in-law always does), just leave out the vodka and add a splash of soda water. He swears it’s the one mocktail where he doesn’t feel like he’s missing something.
This drink LOVES snacks – especially creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, maybe with a dollop of cranberry jam. It’s also surprisingly perfect with a lemony grilled chicken if you want something more substantial.
A few riffs I’ve tried and liked:
- For a holiday twist, add a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg when shaking – the spices make it extra cozy.
- In the summer, muddle a couple raspberries or strawberries along with the mint for some bonus berry flavor.
- Swap the simple syrup for a splash of elderflower liqueur if you’re feeling fancy (or if you have a bottle gathering dust in the cabinet).
Honestly, this has become my go-to party drink – easy enough to whip up at the last minute, but special enough that people always ask for the recipe. Try it at your next gathering and be prepared to write it down for at least three people before the night’s over. Cheers!
