Thankful Cranberry Fizz

I’m so excited to share my favorite Thanksgiving cocktail with you!

The Thankful Cranberry Fizz isn’t just a drink, it’s basically a holiday celebration in a glass.

The combination of tart cranberry juice, warm cinnamon syrup and that zingy ginger beer is absolutely magical.

If you’re looking to impress your guests this holiday season, wait till you hear about the secret ingredient that takes this fizz to the next level.

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Achieving the perfect Thankful Cranberry Fizz is all about balance, timing, and quality.

• Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh cranberries and fruit juices rather than bottled alternatives for a vibrant flavor profile that truly pops in your glass.
• Chill everything: Your glasses, mixers, and spirits should be properly chilled before mixing to maintain the perfect fizzy texture without excessive ice dilution.
• Sugar rim technique: When creating that festive sugar rim, use honey or simple syrup instead of water for better adhesion and make sure to only coat the outer edge to avoid overly sweet sips.
• Carbonation timing: Add your sparkling element (soda water or champagne) at the very last moment and pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve maximum bubbles.
• Garnish wisely: Float a few fresh cranberries and add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic experience that enhances both presentation and flavor without overwhelming the drink.
• Common mistake: Avoid using too much cranberry juice which can make your fizz overly tart and throw off the delicate balance of flavors in this seasonal cocktail.

Food Pairing Ideas

Our Thankful Cranberry Fizz deserves to be accompanied by the perfect bites that complement its tart cranberry notes, aromatic spices and festive bubbles.

These pairings will enhance the cocktail’s flavors while creating a complete sensory experience for your holiday gathering.

• Herb-roasted nuts: Warm almonds and walnuts tossed with rosemary, sage and a touch of maple create a satisfying crunch that balances the cocktail’s brightness
• Brie en croûte: A warm pastry-wrapped brie with cranberry compote offers creamy richness that mellows the tangy notes in your fizz
• Turkey sliders: Mini sandwiches with roasted turkey, cranberry aioli and arugula echo the cocktail’s seasonal theme while providing savory satisfaction
• Goat cheese crostini: Tangy goat cheese on toasted baguette slices topped with honey and thyme creates a delightful contrast to the tart cranberry
• Chocolate-dipped orange peels: The slight bitterness and citrus notes complement the cocktail’s brightness while adding a sweet finishing touch
• Spiced shortbread: Buttery cookies with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove mirror the warming spices in your drink for a harmonious pairing

Variations To Try

The classic Thankful Cranberry Fizz can transform into something entirely new with just a few simple tweaks to ingredients or preparation methods.

• Spiced Apple Twist: Substitute apple cider for cranberry juice and add a cinnamon stick garnish for a warm fall flavor profile.
• Bourbon Berry: Replace vodka with bourbon for a deeper, richer taste that complements the tartness of cranberries.
• Zero-Proof Festival: Skip the alcohol and double the cranberry juice, adding a splash of vanilla extract for complexity without the spirits.
• Rosemary Refresher: Muddle fresh rosemary in the shaker and garnish with a sprig for an herbaceous aroma that elevates the drink.
• Maple Cranberry Fizz: Swap simple syrup for pure maple syrup to introduce a distinctive sweetness that pairs beautifully with cranberry.
• Ginger Heat: Add a quarter ounce of ginger liqueur or fresh ginger syrup for a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness.

Thanksgiving Cocktail Steps

The Thankful Cranberry Fizz is the perfect holiday cocktail that’ll wow your Thanksgiving guests with its tart-sweet balance and festive fizz.

This gorgeous ruby-red drink combines the bright punch of cranberry with warming spices and a refreshing bubbly finish. It’s basically fall in a glass – and trust me, you’ll want seconds before you’ve even finished your first one!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
• 2 oz ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Rosemary sprig for garnish
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, lime juice and cinnamon syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig and a cinnamon stick.
7. Serve immediately while the fizz is still lively!

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 245
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g