Cranberry Vodka Smash Cocktail Recipe for Holiday Parties

Cranberry Sauce Vodka Smash is a festive, easy holiday cocktail that puts leftover cranberry sauce to delicious use.

Have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving? If not, it’s worth making a small batch just for this drink. The Cranberry Sauce Vodka Smash is simple, bright, and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

This cocktail transforms a classic holiday side into a vibrant cocktail ingredient. Rather than saving cranberry sauce for pancakes or baking—although those are great too—try shaking it with vodka and topping the mix with sparkling water for a refreshing, festive beverage.

The Cranberry Sauce Vodka Smash is remarkably easy to make. In a mason jar or cocktail shaker, combine cranberry sauce, vodka and ice, shake until the sauce is well incorporated, then strain or pour into a glass and top with your choice of sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Cranberry Sauce Vodka Smash Flavors

You can adjust sweetness and flavor simply by swapping the sparkling mixer. For a crisp, low-sugar option, use club soda or a plain sparkling water. If you prefer a sweeter, more cocktail-like finish, try tonic water or a lemon-lime soda such as Sprite. The cranberry sauce provides bright tartness and texture, while the soda lightens the drink and adds effervescence.

A rosemary sprig makes a simple, elegant garnish that pairs beautifully with cranberry’s tart notes. These drinks are ideal for holiday parties, Christmas get-togethers, or any night when you want something special without fuss. Cheers!

If you still have fresh cranberries or extra sauce, consider other savory or sweet recipes that highlight their flavor—like salads or baked goods—after you try this cocktail.

Cranberry Sauce Vodka Smash

Cranberry Sauce Vodka Smash is a fun and festive holiday cocktail that uses cranberry sauce as the star ingredient.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 cocktail

Calories: 155kcal

Author: Taylor Ellingson

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
• 1 shot vodka
• sparkling water or tonic water, Sprite, etc.
• rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

• In a mason jar or cocktail shaker, combine the cranberry sauce, vodka, and ice. Shake until the sauce is well combined and slightly broken down.
• Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass and top with sparkling water to taste.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 6g
|
Protein: 0.1g

Tried this recipe?Mention @greensnchocolate to share how it turned out.

Need more ideas?Try other cranberry-based dishes or cocktails to use up extra sauce.

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