A festive cranberry, orange, ginger beer and citrus vodka cocktail for your next gathering. The Big Sister approved!
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.
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.
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
The Big Sister
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
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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.
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Shake 3-4 times. Pour over ice.
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Garnish with Sugared Cranberries.
Recipe 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.
Has anyone made this in bulk like punch?
Hi Rachelle… I’ve not, but I wouldn’t hesitate if needed.
This sounds really good and i love drinks with ginger beer in them! Thanks for the recipe!
YESSS!!!! Sounds so refreshing!
Indeed! It’s time! :D
The reason for “For the good health” is because Russians say it instead of “Cheers!” for every shot :)
ahhhhh… I see! Thank you for that Irina! :D
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
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
What a lovely looking cocktail! Love those sugared cranberries on top! And props to you for making up creative cocktail names!
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
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 ;) )
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
Isn’t that the best thing about sisters- all the sharing that goes on! This cocktail looks so delicious, I can think of nothing better to cheers the start of December with!
No doubt Liora! So many good things about having a Big Sister! Clink clink to you my dear! :D
I love cranberry drinks!! This looks lovely as always, Traci. CHEERS!XO
Thank you Alison! So delicious, yes! Clink clink my dear! xo
I love the name, its sounds amazing though. Love the cranberry – orange combo :)
Thank you Petra! The Big Sister did it. I hope you enjoy the recipe my dear! :D
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.
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!
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.
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!
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? :)
Did you say, Cocktail Party? Count me in! I’ll bring The Big Sister! :D Thank you Tessa!
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.
Hooray! Thank you Beverly! I hope you enjoy it! :D
I love that your sister inspired this drink and you named it after her! So pretty too- perfect for this time of year :)
Hehe… an unconventional name, yes, but I couldn’t help it. It just had to be!! Thank you Allie!
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!
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
This is one seriously gorgeous cocktail! And I love the name, so cute! Happy Friday, Traci!
:D Thank you Denise! The Big Sister loves the name too! :D
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!!
Thank you Mary Ann! Refreshing, yes! Just when you need it! hehe! :D
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!
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!
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
You got it Rakhee! And thank you for your pin! Those Cranberries didn’t last long… nor did the drink! hehe!
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
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!
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!
You bet! You’ll love the flavors in this Cocktail, Aysegul. A treat for the Holidays for sure! Cheers to you my dear! xx
Sounds great Traci! I love citrus-y drinks. The presentation is so lovely. I’ll have to make it for my big sister :-)
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
Everything with ginger beer is good! This looks particularly luscious… Glad to hear you and The Big Sister have such a fun hobby together!
Oh no doubt Lynne… and I just discovered it! It IS sooo good! xx
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
Hooray! World Peace in a lowball LOL! Love it! Thank you for sharing the quote too… just beautiful! :D xx
OK, done. This might be my perfect cocktail!. It will be keeping me company as I make the all butter pie crust! :)
Hooray Shannon! I hope you enjoy it as much as we have… and with an all butter crust!? Why yesssss!