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    Home Β» Drinks Β» Cranberry Mojitos

    Nov 25, 2011 Β· Modified: Nov 17, 2021 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 56 Comments

    Cranberry Mojitos

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you think mojitos are a summer-only cocktail, let these Cranberry Mojitos change your mind! This perfect holiday cocktail is made with homemade cranberry simple syrup, lime, rum, and plenty of mint!

    Overhead view of two cranberry mojitos with red and white straws, limes, and cranberries with recipe title at top

    It's officially the holiday season!!! Thanksgiving has been celebrated and I finally allowed myself to listen to Michael Bublé and light my peppermint and winter wonderland candles, while Chris and I assembled our Christmas tree.

    We also did quite a bit of Black Friday shopping online. Er, one for you and one for me was my basic philosophy. Oops? Maybe that's what happens when you're sipping on a cranberry mojito while you shop.

    One of my favorite things about the holidays is holiday cocktails. So, I'm pretty excited for the first official Cocktail Friday of the holiday season! Oh, happy day!

    I started with one of my favorite seasonal ingredients, cranberries, and transformed them into one of the best drinks, a mojito.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Mojitos are typically a summer drink, but mint is also pretty awesome in the winter and I knew the addition of cranberry flavor would work well.

    These cocktails are fairly simple and don't require too many ingredients. And the ingredients are REAL. Instead of using store-bought cranberry juice, this only has fresh cranberries in it.

    If you double or triple the recipe for the cranberry simple syrup, you can very easily make these mojitos all holiday season long.

    Plus… the colors! These are such festive drinks, perfect for the holidays.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients for this cocktail are pretty simple. Aside from the mint, I generally have all of these items in my kitchen during the holiday season and you might, too.

    Here's what you need:

    • Fresh cranberries
    • Granulated sugar
    • Water
    • Mint leaves
    • Lime juice
    • Ice
    • Rum (light)
    • Soda water

    How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup

    This cranberry mojito is more delicious than the standard cranberry cocktail because it is made with fresh cranberries!

    I didn't want to use fake cranberry juice in my Christmas cocktail and really wanted to incorporate the real deal in. So, I made a simple cranberry simple syrup. Really, it's so easy! Which is probably why it's called a "simple" syrup in the first place.

    To start, put cranberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

    Saucepan with water, sugar, and fresh cranberries

    Lower the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, until the berries are just starting to burst.

    Fresh cranberries simmering in sugar water for syrup

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl.

    Press with the back of a wooden spoon to extract as much liquid from the cranberries as possible.

    Cranberries being strained out of syrup into bowl

    Keep syrup in bowl or pour into jar and place in fridge to cool completely before using.

    Cranberry simple syrup in a jar with fresh cranberries all around

    How to Make Cranberry Mojitos

    Now that your cranberry syrup is made, the rest of the cocktails are super easy to put together. They're basic mojitos with the addition of a yummy flavored syrup.

    Place about 10 mint leaves and 1 Tbsp of lime juice in each glass. With the back of a wooden spoon or a muddler, mash the mint up as much as you can.

    Mint being muddled in tall cocktail glass

    Put ice in each glass and pour 2 oz. of the cranberry syrup and 2 oz. rum into each glass.

    Stir it up and top each glass off with soda water. Sprinkle some fresh cranberries in for garnish.

    Head-on view of cranberry mojitos in tall glass with lime and cranberries all around

    I like adding a lime wedge, too.

    These cranberry mojitos are so perfectly refreshing and flavorful. I love the sweetness of the cranberry syrup combined with the freshness of the mint.

    View of cranberry mojito with holly, cranberries, and sliced limes

    Plus, these colors are the absolute best for the holiday season. It's the perfect holiday party drink and can also be served as a Thanksgiving mojito.

    Can I Make This Drink Less Sweet?

    Of course! Traditional mojitos have a bit less simple syrup in them than these ones do, but I wanted to really let the cranberry shine, so I added quite a bit.

    If you prefer a drink that's less sweet, cut the simple syrup amount in half. You can always mix in more if you want it.

    Can I Make a Big Batch of This?

    If you're serving these cranberry mojitos at a holiday party, you may want to make a big batch of it, so you're not standing at the bar mixing cocktails all night.

    You can make a big batch of this in a pitcher ahead of time. Simply add the soda water right before you're ready to serve. Here's the ratios I would use for a pitcher of cocktails that serves 8-10:

    • Β½ cup lime juice
    • 80 fresh mint leaves
    • 2 cups rum
    • 2 cups simple syrup (double the recipe)
    • 1 Β½-2 cups soda water

    Put lime juice and mint leaves on the bottom of a pitcher and muddle together as much as possible. Stir in rum and cranberry syrup. Right before serving mix in soda water.

    Allow guests to fill their glass with ice and pour the cranberry mojito into their glass. You can also leave a bowl with cranberries and lime wedges for garnish.

    Closeup view of cranberry mojito with holly, cranberries, and sliced limes

    And now the countdown to Christmas is on! In the meantime, I'll be overindulging on all things Christmas movies, decorations, foods (and drinks!!), candles, music, etc. etc.

    Oh, and maybe some shopping, too. Just a little bit. Promise. But pour me another cranberry mojito while you're at it...

    More Christmas Cocktails

    Instead of just the 12 days of Christmas, make it the 12 days of Christmas cocktails! Here are some more fabulous holiday drinks that will help you get into the spirit(s) of the season!

    • Cranberry Jalapeño Margarita
    • Cinnamon Pear Sangria
    • Tropical Cranberry Sangria
    • Cranberry Pomegranate Sparkler
    • Pumpkin Pie Martini
    • Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail
    • Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Sparkler
    • Spiked Butterscotch Eggnog (from Honest Grub Honest Foodie)
    • Mulled Wine (from Culinary Hill)
    Overhead view of two cranberry mojitos with red and white straws, limes, and cranberries

    I love drinking my cranberry mojitos, but I also enjoy eating them! I created this Mojito Cranberry Sauce for you to serve as a Thanksgiving dinner side and it's also super fun.

    Do you have a favorite drink for the holiday season?

    Overhead view of two cranberry mojitos with red and white straws, limes, and cranberries

    Cranberry Mojitos

    If you think mojitos are a summer-only cocktail, let these Cranberry Mojitos change your mind! This perfect holiday cocktail is made with homemade cranberry simple syrup, lime, rum, and plenty of mint!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Christmas Cocktails, Christmas Drinks, Cranberry Cocktails, Cranberry Drinks, Holiday Cocktails, Mojito Recipes
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Makes: 4 cocktails
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 40 fresh mint leaves
    • 2 oz lime juice
    • Ice
    • 8 oz. cranberry syrup (recipe below)
    • 8 oz. rum
    • 8 oz. Soda water

    Cranberry Syrup

    • 1 cup fresh cranberries
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    Instructions

    • Put about 10 mint leaves and Β½ oz lime juice in each glass. With the back of a wooden spoon or a muddler mash the mint up.
    • Put ice in each glass and pour 2 oz. of the cranberry syrup and 2 oz. rum into each glass.
    • Top off each glass with soda water (1 Β½-2 oz). Sprinkle some fresh cranberries in and add a lime wedge for garnish.

    Cranberry Syrup

    • Put cranberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
    • Lower the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, until the berries are just starting to burst.
    • Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Press with the back of a wooden spoon to extract as much liquid from the cranberries as possible.
    • Keep syrup in bowl or pour into jar and place in fridge to cool completely before using.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!

    View Web Story for this recipe.

    Cranberry Mojitos
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather @ Bake, Run, Live says

      November 26, 2011 at 10:09 am

      My favorite drinks during winter months are egg nog (from a carton- no alcohol) with almond milk, and hot chocolate with a flavored coffee creamer added (like mint truffle). Yum!
      I don't drink alcohol, but that cranberry mojito really looks festive!

    2. Megan says

      November 26, 2011 at 10:52 am

      I love cranberry mojitos! I had them for the first time at The Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet several years ago. I usually go to the Cape in October, and it's the perfect time to have them.

      P.S. Love your mom's plates!

    3. Kelly says

      November 26, 2011 at 12:50 pm

      Yum. I have a bunch of fresh cranberries I got a great deal on last year after thanksgiving and froze so this looks like a great use for them.

    4. Jessica | Oh Cake says

      November 26, 2011 at 1:50 pm

      This sounds so delish! What a lovely Thanksgiving and I love that you made your own cranberry syrup!

    5. Erica says

      November 26, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      What a pretty and festive drink! Love! the table looks gorgeous! Is that a big thing of cranberry? If so- that is amazing. Cute family pictures. I cannot wait for the wedding pics

    6. Michelle Collins says

      November 27, 2011 at 11:31 am

      The colors in this drink are gorgeous! This time of year, I love anything with amaretto in it.

    7. Barbara says

      November 27, 2011 at 3:21 pm

      Love your photos! And what a beautiful drink. Those colors!

    8. Emily @ A Cambridge Story says

      November 27, 2011 at 7:21 pm

      So festive! I make a cranberry liqueur every year - I'm adding mint next time I am sipping on it!

    9. Michelle says

      November 28, 2011 at 10:22 am

      I've been living the same motto lately about leaving the camera behind. Great to hear that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    10. Meesh says

      November 28, 2011 at 11:23 am

      omg these are gorgeous! love that shirt you're wearing also πŸ™‚

    11. Mal @ The Chic Geek says

      November 28, 2011 at 12:55 pm

      Love the color of these drinks, so festive! I bet they're delicious too!

    12. Matt @ semiURBAN says

      November 28, 2011 at 6:21 pm

      Mojito + Cranberry = I'm in love! Nice way to winterize a summery drink.

    13. Laur says

      November 28, 2011 at 7:12 pm

      This drink looks amazing! Love cranberry!

    14. Zesty Cook says

      November 28, 2011 at 8:58 pm

      This really is the perfect holiday drink...look at those colors! Count me in.

    15. Victoria says

      December 06, 2011 at 10:59 am

      I am all over these this Friday!!! They look so yummy and Mojitos are one of my faves! Thank you for sharing!

    16. Susan says

      December 06, 2011 at 2:20 pm

      Found you on pinterest. I was just looking at my mint pot ouside now that it is cold and was mising my summertime Mojitos. Going to buy cranberries right now.

    17. Kevin (Closet Cooking) says

      December 06, 2011 at 10:38 pm

      Nice looking mojitos! Perfectly seasonal!

    18. Jen says

      December 08, 2011 at 9:57 am

      Looks delicious! Going to try these while putting up our tree this weekend! And just out of curiousity: Are those Southern Tier Brewing Company glasses? I live about 20 minutes away from the brewery and go there often. I could recognize that logo anywhere!

    19. Sues says

      December 08, 2011 at 12:39 pm

      @Jen- Yes!! We went to visit over the summer and got the Southern Tier glasses on the tour. So jealous you live so close!! I would be there all the time, too πŸ™‚

    20. David C. says

      December 10, 2011 at 3:17 am

      I made a batch of this, but doubled the reciepe.(huge family). Boy am I excited to bring this to the party tomorrow. I can guarentee it's gonna be a huge hit. Made the syrup and mixed in the rum and lime juice. Saving the mint, soda, and fresh berries for tomorrow at the party. Thank you so much and I hope you all enjoy your holiday season! Cheers!

    21. Erica says

      December 11, 2011 at 7:57 pm

      I love the Christmas mojitos!!! Yum. Yum. But I'm going to a big Christmas party and would like to take them in a large container. Any ideas on how to make it a bigger recipe ahead of time? I realize I can double the recipe but we like our drinks πŸ™‚ and The recipe says it's only for 2 servings..I want to make sure I have enough. Thanks for your help!

    22. Sues says

      December 12, 2011 at 9:48 am

      @Erica- I definitely had some leftover cranberry simple syrup... I would say it makes enough for 4 drinks... So, if you triple it, you should be able to get 12. I don't *think* you necessarily need to triple the amount of cranberries used to get the same flavor. Maybe use 3 cups of water and sugar and 16 oz. of cranberries? I would just make sure you let the mixture "marinate" for a bit!

    23. Lauren says

      December 12, 2011 at 11:20 pm

      Sues & Erica-

      I am also going to attempt making these in bulk for a Christmas party this Friday. I will let you know how trippling the recipe turns out. πŸ˜‰

    24. Healthy JalapeΓ±o says

      December 17, 2011 at 10:21 am

      I love this and it looks so festive. perfect for the holidays. {newest follower}

    25. Ann says

      December 20, 2011 at 9:09 pm

      Gorgeous drinks... just perfect for the holidays!!

    26. Rachel says

      December 22, 2011 at 6:44 pm

      Oh no! I am making them now and the berries burst... Is that a problem? I know you said to lower before they burst....

    27. Sues says

      December 22, 2011 at 6:56 pm

      @rachel- don't worry, it should be fine!! You have to strain them anyway, so I don't think it will be a problem πŸ™‚

    28. Lisa says

      December 23, 2011 at 6:54 pm

      Enjoying these with my family right now! Fabulous! I saved the cranberries I used for the simple syrup for garnish. Thanks for sharing!

    29. Rachel says

      December 26, 2011 at 10:59 pm

      Ok, the burst berries were not a problem. I smushed them a little while I strained them to separate the cranberry sauce from the syrup. Everyone loved them. I tried them again on Christmas Eve and was extra careful to ensure they did not burst. I managed to stay on top of them that time! I also steeped them overnight... that batch came out PERFECTLY! Everyone oohed and aaahed over them at Christmas dinner. They really did look perfectly festive and tasted so good! I'll definitely make this a new family tradition. Thank you so much for the great recipe!

    30. Diana says

      February 14, 2012 at 12:00 pm

      Looks like these would work for Valentines Day too.

    31. Lo McShay says

      February 23, 2012 at 3:28 pm

      Loving this recipe. Thinking of using for one of my Fall brides. Thanks for sharing,

    32. Kelly says

      July 15, 2012 at 12:20 pm

      I just found your post via Pinterest. We've been on a mojito kick here and your mojitos look wonderful. We won't be waiting for the holidays to make them. I hope I can find some fresh cranberries in the middle of July! Thanks for a fun new recipe!

    33. Rhonda says

      October 05, 2012 at 8:43 pm

      I'm so excited to make these cranberry mojitos this holiday season! I also love your mom's pumpkin plates! Do you know where she bought them or what brand they are? Thanks!

    34. Linda says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

      I am making these for the holidays...very festive and very pretty...
      and yummy i supposed too

    35. Penelope says

      November 19, 2012 at 10:47 am

      This looks CRAZY good. I'm making them for our Thanksgiving dinner this week. Thanks so much for the awesome recipe! I'm going to tweet the link for this post. (You should add Twitter links to your posts!)

    36. Kathy says

      November 20, 2012 at 9:49 am

      Love those pumpkin plates and of course the Mojito

    37. Kathy says

      November 27, 2012 at 4:09 pm

      Did you ladies know this post is linked to on the Koloa Rum Company website?! I went to Kauai on my honeymoon and was looking for something for Christmas for my husband and stumbled upon this!
      Who knew there were We Are Not Martha fans in Hawaii?!

    38. Sues says

      November 27, 2012 at 8:32 pm

      @Kathy- Aw, that's so cool!! Thank you for the head's up... And so fun to know we hav "fans" in Hawaii πŸ™‚

    39. Kristin says

      December 06, 2012 at 12:03 am

      I love your recipe! I always end up "accidentally" making cranberry simple syrup when I make sugared cranberries (there's an AWESOME. recipe here- http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/12/11/sugared-cranberries/) and I've been at a loss as to what to use it for, and now I know! This will definitely be the featured drink at my Christmas party this year!

    40. Becky says

      December 10, 2012 at 7:47 pm

      I just shared your recipe on my blog. I made it for a cocktail party. It was delicious!

    41. GABY OSUNA says

      December 15, 2012 at 1:07 am

      delicious

    42. Ethel says

      January 17, 2013 at 8:23 pm

      stumbled upon this recipe a year or so late but I am planning now for next year....loved your details...thanks

    43. Donna says

      July 14, 2013 at 2:00 am

      Delicious

    44. susan says

      December 14, 2013 at 4:15 am

      Thank you for the mojito recipe ... lovely - thank you !

    45. Indigo Colton says

      December 16, 2013 at 4:36 pm

      Hello! I wanted to let you know that I have featured your drink recipe in my holiday drink roundup. I hope you have a wonderful day!

    46. Anne says

      December 18, 2013 at 2:38 pm

      Of all things, I happen to have fresh cranberries in the fridge. I need to get some fresh mint and Friday night fun will ensue! Thanks for this recipe.

    47. Heidi says

      July 19, 2014 at 9:53 am

      Beautiful! One of my fav holiday drinks .... I'll have to send you a bottle of our cranberry NSSS Over the holidays in case you want to cheat πŸ˜‰

    48. Theresa says

      November 18, 2014 at 1:08 pm

      These look wonderful! What size of glasses are you using? I'm guessing maybe 8-oz? You say to top it off with soda water, but I don't want to make it too weak.

    49. Sues says

      November 20, 2014 at 4:48 pm

      @Theresa- Thank you!! Yes, I used 8 oz. glasses and used 2 oz. cranberry syrup, 2 oz. rum, and about 2 oz. of soda water, plus a bunch of ice!

    50. Christine says

      December 18, 2015 at 1:04 pm

      I want to make this recipe in bulk to serve at Christmas dinner (so that I don't have to spend forever making individual drinks) and am not the biggest fan of club soda- anyone ever made this using something like ginger ale or sprite?

    51. Sues says

      December 19, 2015 at 11:50 am

      @Christine - I haven't tried this, but I think it could work! It would just be a little sweeter. Club soda is really just sparkling water (bubbly water with no flavor)- I know lots of people get it confused with tonic which has a definite weird flavor! Let me know how it comes out πŸ™‚

    52. Darleni says

      December 22, 2015 at 8:38 am

      Hello all, if I don't find cranberry, what other ingredients can I used?

    53. Sues says

      December 22, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      @Darleni- You can make a simple mojito with no cranberry(just make the simple syrup with no addition of cranberries)... A raspberry mojito would also be delicious, but I'd just muddle the raspberry into the glass instead of turning it into simple syrup.

    54. Miriam Read says

      December 26, 2015 at 7:50 am

      I made these last night for Christmas dinner. Instant hit and going to be a part of every holiday season from now on! Very festive & delicious!!!! In future I will def make the syrup ahead of time. That easy step was the most time consuming. But also crucial to making this drink "off the charts" good. I love that I have plenty of syrup leftover to make more for New Yrs. Yummy tip: pour a little sugar in your glass, will help muddle the mint ?Thank you so much for sharing, you made me look and feel like a rock star ☺

    55. Petro says

      November 23, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      Looks amazing & I bet tastes great too! My husband would love one of these! Love the bright colors too, very appealing!

    56. Gina says

      November 23, 2020 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! My favorite drink for this time of the year!

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