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

The Big Sister

By Traci · 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
Print Recipe

The Big Sister

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

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

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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 JanetteJanette

    December 29, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    This sounds really good and i love drinks with ginger beer in them! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for EyecandypopperEyecandypopper

    February 19, 2016 at 11:38 am

    YESSS!!!! Sounds so refreshing!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      February 19, 2016 at 12:23 pm

      Indeed! It’s time! :D

      Reply
  4. 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
  5. Avatar for Beeta @ Mon Petit FourBeeta @ Mon Petit Four

    December 19, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    This definitely looks and sounds refreshing! And also so pretty! I don’t know if I’ve ever had ginger beer but I’m definitely dying to try now! :D

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 21, 2015 at 5:16 am

      Ginger Beer was a surprise to me.. it’s not a beer at all, but more like ginger ale with a stronger ginger flavor. It’s fizzy too! :D

      Reply
  6. Avatar for Linda | The Baker Who KernsLinda | The Baker Who Kerns

    December 2, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    What a lovely looking cocktail! Love those sugared cranberries on top! And props to you for making up creative cocktail names!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 2, 2015 at 2:12 pm

      Hehe… yeah, I’m sure it’s not all that great for SEO, but I’m just kinda over it, when the real name must be used! Thank you Linda! :D

      Reply
  7. Avatar for Sam @ SugarSpunSam @ SugarSpun

    December 2, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    5 stars
    What a beautiful cocktail! And I love the name (as the oldest of 6, you just gave me a new aspiration in life: to have one of my siblings name a drink after me ;) )

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 2, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      So you are The Big Sister my dear!? hehe! You need a drink named after you for just being The Big Sister of six! WOW! Thank you my dear! :D

      Reply
  8. Avatar for TraciTraci

    December 2, 2015 at 10:35 am

    No doubt Liora! So many good things about having a Big Sister! Clink clink to you my dear! :D

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Alison @ Food by MarsAlison @ Food by Mars

    November 30, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    I love cranberry drinks!! This looks lovely as always, Traci. CHEERS!XO

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 1, 2015 at 9:00 am

      Thank you Alison! So delicious, yes! Clink clink my dear! xo

      Reply
  10. Avatar for Petra @ CrumblesAndKalePetra @ CrumblesAndKale

    November 30, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I love the name, its sounds amazing though. Love the cranberry – orange combo :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 1, 2015 at 8:11 am

      Thank you Petra! The Big Sister did it. I hope you enjoy the recipe my dear! :D

      Reply
  11. Avatar for Meghan | Fox and BriarMeghan | Fox and Briar

    November 30, 2015 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    Now this is my kind of coktail, Traci! Wow, so beautiful, and perfect for the holidays. I’ve never been to Etta’s, I am new to the Seattle area, so will have to check it out! In the meantime, I will have to make 2 or 10 of these cocktails.

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 1, 2015 at 8:10 am

      Thakn you Meghan! Ahw, you’re in Seattle? Welcome! So much to explore, do and see! I hope you’re settling in and feeling good about your new surroundings. No doubt, such a delicious cocktail and so easy to whip up this time of year!

      Reply
  12. Avatar for AshaAsha

    November 30, 2015 at 11:13 am

    5 stars
    Love Love the name. You are a genius.
    Adore your shots and hey we all need some cocktail now and then. Those sugared cranberries look like jewels.
    Pinning for sure.

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 1, 2015 at 8:08 am

      Hehe… I had a little help from The Big Sister! Yes, yes… those little cranberries are just so cute! I want to put them on everything! :D Thank you for your pin Asha!

      Reply
  13. Avatar for Tessa | Salted PlainsTessa | Salted Plains

    November 30, 2015 at 6:52 am

    This is a stunner, Traci!! I love this variation on a Moscow mule – citrus, cranberry, and ginger beer?! So good. I think you and I need to have a cocktail party. Perfect way to start the week, don’t you think? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 30, 2015 at 11:04 am

      Did you say, Cocktail Party? Count me in! I’ll bring The Big Sister! :D Thank you Tessa!

      Reply
  14. Avatar for Beverley @ sweaty&fitBeverley @ sweaty&fit

    November 30, 2015 at 6:33 am

    This sounds like the most perfect holiday drink! I love moscow mules but have never tried to make them on my own. definitely adding this to our Christmas party cocktail list.

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 30, 2015 at 11:03 am

      Hooray! Thank you Beverly! I hope you enjoy it! :D

      Reply
  15. Avatar for Allie | Baking a MomentAllie | Baking a Moment

    November 29, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    I love that your sister inspired this drink and you named it after her! So pretty too- perfect for this time of year :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      December 7, 2015 at 3:36 pm

      Hehe… an unconventional name, yes, but I couldn’t help it. It just had to be!! Thank you Allie!

      Reply
  16. Avatar for Geraldine | Green Valley KitchenGeraldine | Green Valley Kitchen

    November 29, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Love the name of this drink, Traci. Your sister should be honored. Don’t you just love sharing recipes/ideas with loved ones. I’m on my way back and stuck in an airport for a couple of hours and this drink would be perfect right about now. Hope you had a lovely holiday!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 30, 2015 at 11:03 am

      Hehe… I know, it’s funny, eh? I do love sharing recipe ideas with family… it really helps my creativity. No doubt a perfect drink for time spent in the airport! Thank you, Geraldine! :D

      Reply
  17. Avatar for Denise @ Sweet Peas & SaffronDenise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron

    November 27, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    This is one seriously gorgeous cocktail! And I love the name, so cute! Happy Friday, Traci!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 28, 2015 at 5:34 am

      :D Thank you Denise! The Big Sister loves the name too! :D

      Reply
  18. Avatar for Mary Ann | The Beach House KItchenMary Ann | The Beach House KItchen

    November 27, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    I’m loving this cocktail Traci! Sounds sound refreshing and looks perfectly festive! Great way to use those sugared cranberries! Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 28, 2015 at 5:33 am

      Thank you Mary Ann! Refreshing, yes! Just when you need it! hehe! :D

      Reply
  19. Avatar for Julie @ Cooks with CocktailsJulie @ Cooks with Cocktails

    November 26, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    SO funny! When Debbie and I go to restaurants with great cocktail menus we always take pictures of the menu for inspiration later :) Then we order different cocktails so that we can each try eachothers lol. This one looks like its right up my alley. We always put fresh ginger in our cranberry and vodka drinks so I can imagine that this tastes amazing, especially with the orange juice and sugared cranberries. Yum!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:56 am

      Ha!! Such a great way to glean inspiration for new cocktails! And they’re so many fun ones to experiment with… endless! You two always come up with great ideas for cocktails! The orange juice is such a nice addition here, as are the little sugared crans. You’ll want to keep a little bowl out if serving the cocktails because chasing the drink with these little gems is such a delicious experience!

      Reply
  20. Avatar for Rakhee@boxofspice[email protected]

    November 26, 2015 at 1:39 am

    Since I don’t have any cooking to do today, I think I might watch you cooking!!!! With this delicious cocktail in hand, of course! What say Traci?! Those sugared cranberries look so elegant btw. Pinned!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and to your family! <3

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:52 am

      You got it Rakhee! And thank you for your pin! Those Cranberries didn’t last long… nor did the drink! hehe!

      Reply
  21. Avatar for Cheyanne @ No Spoon NecessaryCheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    November 25, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    5 stars
    First of all, Happy Thanksgiving Eve to you and your family! Second of all, this libation is GORGEOUS, Traci!! The Sugared cranberries are tres chic and so festively fun, the alcohol portion of this stunning cocktail is just icing on the cake… or should I say hair for the chest? Lol. I will most definitely be pouring a few of these and toasting to you while I sip (or slurp) tomorrow! Thankful to have you as a friend, my dear! Cheers and lots of love!
    P.s. pinned! Xoxo

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:50 am

      Thank you my dear! I know you’d love this one, Cheyanne. I’d make an extra big batch just for you! Sipping or slurping is perfectly acceptable, however you get it down! Clink clink my friend!

      Reply
  22. Avatar for AysegulAysegul

    November 25, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Traci!!! I need a Big Sister in my life. Can you send one over? :)) This cocktail sounds and looks incredible.
    Happy thanksgiving my friend. Hope you are enjoying the holidays.
    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:48 am

      You bet! You’ll love the flavors in this Cocktail, Aysegul. A treat for the Holidays for sure! Cheers to you my dear! xx

      Reply
  23. Avatar for Kathryn @ The Scratch ArtistKathryn @ The Scratch Artist

    November 25, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Sounds great Traci! I love citrus-y drinks. The presentation is so lovely. I’ll have to make it for my big sister :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:45 am

      Oooh, I know… I just love citrus when it’s in season…. I put it on/in everything! I hope you and your Big Sister enjoys it! :D

      Reply
  24. Avatar for LynneLynne

    November 25, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Everything with ginger beer is good! This looks particularly luscious… Glad to hear you and The Big Sister have such a fun hobby together!

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:44 am

      Oh no doubt Lynne… and I just discovered it! It IS sooo good! xx

      Reply
  25. Avatar for Jennifer CaldwellJennifer Caldwell

    November 25, 2015 at 7:45 am

    Absolutely glorious, Trace – You did it! Now we can all enjoy this refreshing cocktail. World Peace in a lowball. On VanillaandBean.
    With a cranberry on top. :-D

    “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the single candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” ~ Buddha

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 27, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Hooray! World Peace in a lowball LOL! Love it! Thank you for sharing the quote too… just beautiful! :D xx

      Reply
  26. Avatar for ShannonShannon

    November 24, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    OK, done. This might be my perfect cocktail!. It will be keeping me company as I make the all butter pie crust! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for TraciTraci

      November 25, 2015 at 10:13 am

      Hooray Shannon! I hope you enjoy it as much as we have… and with an all butter crust!? Why yesssss!

      Reply

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