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You are here: Home / Recipes / Drinks / Cocktails / The Big Sister

The Big Sister

5 stars from 1 rating
By Traci York — Updated July 15, 2024 — 4 Comments / Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate policy.

A festive cranberry, orange, ginger beer and citrus vodka cocktail for your next gathering. The Big Sister approved!

A festive ginger beer, citrus, and cranberry cocktail. | Vanilla And Bean

Sharing a quick, fresh vodka cocktail recipe this week to go with those shimmering Sugared Cranberries. They’re worth it, trust me.

Not a conventional cocktail name, but one that you’ll make over and over again.

Let me explain…

The Big Sister.

A festive ginger beer, citrus, and cranberry cocktail. | Vanilla And Bean

Always on the lookout for a good cocktail, my sister (The Big Sister) and I decided to start perusing and experimenting to shake up our cocktail routine.  We are particularly inquisitive when going out, to try something new or glean ideas from the menu. There’s always a crafty new cocktail to experience.

Most recently, my sister was at Etta’s in Seattle where she tried a new cocktail, strangely enough called To Your Good Health, or something like that. It’s apparently a play on the Moscow Mule. She decided it was worth creating her own version. After-all, something this good needs to be shared.

A festive ginger beer, citrus, and cranberry cocktail. | Vanilla And Bean

She shared her ginger beer and vodka concoction with me.

I knew I had to share it with y’all.

It’s so fresh, slightly sweet and citrusy with zing from the ginger beer. You’re going to love this adult beverage. The Big Sister approved.

More Cranberry Juice Cocktails to Love! 

  • Cranberry-Orange Gin Smash
  • Cranberry and Mint Rum Punch – from Foolproof Living
  • Sparkling Christmas Tree Cocktail from Floating Kitchen
  • Cranberry Sage Cocktail – from Salted Plains
  • Cranberry Champagne Sparkler – from Ciao Chow Bambina
A festive ginger beer, citrus, and cranberry cocktail. | Vanilla And Bean
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The Big Sister

Prep Time:5 minutes minutes
Total Time:5 minutes minutes
Servings:1 Cocktail
Calories:174kcal
Author:Traci York
Cranberry juice, citrus and ginger beer come together in this tasty, flavorful cocktail to be shared with friends and family!
(keep screen awake)

Ingredients

For the Cocktail

  • 2 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice 70g
  • 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice 28g
  • 1 oz Ginger Beer 28g
  • 1 1/2 oz Citrus Vodka* 70g
  • 1/4 oz Simple Syrup** 7g
  • A few drops of fresh lemon juice

For the Garnish

  • 3-4 Sugared Cranberries skewered

Instructions

  • To a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice, cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger beer, vodka, simple syrup and a drop or two of lemon juice. Test to see if it needs a bit more simple. If so, add just about a 1/4 tsp more at a time.
  • Shake 3-4 times. Pour over ice.
  • Garnish with Sugared Cranberries.

Notes

*Standard vodka works well in this recipe too, just be sure to add an extra splash of lemon juice.
**To make simple syrup, add 1/4 C sugar and 1/4 C water to a small sauce-pot. Bring to a simmer, whisk to dissolve sugar. Cool and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Inspired by The Big Sister via Etta's in Seattle.
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 111mg | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!

A festive ginger beer, citrus, and cranberry cocktail. | Vanilla And Bean

A festive ginger beer, citrus, and cranberry cocktail. | Vanilla And Bean

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Reader Interactions

4 comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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  1. Avatar for RachelleRachelle

    November 19, 2018 at 11:33 am

    Has anyone made this in bulk like punch?

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 19, 2018 at 11:40 am

      Hi Rachelle… I’ve not, but I wouldn’t hesitate if needed.

      Reply
  2. Avatar for IrinaIrina

    January 13, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    The reason for “For the good health” is because Russians say it instead of “Cheers!” for every shot :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      January 13, 2016 at 12:47 pm

      ahhhhh… I see! Thank you for that Irina! :D

      Reply

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