Drinks and Cocktails

The Ultimate Festive Cranberry Orange Crush Cocktail

This Festive Cranberry Orange Crush is a bright, fizzy, and slightly tart cocktail that brings a burst of sunshine to cold winter days. It combines the zip of fresh-squeezed oranges with the deep tang of cranberry for a drink that is as beautiful as it is refreshing.

Cranberry Orange Crush
Prep
15 min
Serves
4
Level
Easy
Per serving
195 kcal

Method

  1. Begin by squeezing your fresh oranges; for the best flavor, do not use bottled juice. You'll need roughly 3-4 large oranges to get a full cup.

  2. Fill four large glasses (pint glasses or highballs work best) to the very top with crushed ice. The 'crush' style depends entirely on having plenty of frosty ice.

  3. In a small pitcher, stir together the orange vodka, triple sec, fresh orange juice, and cranberry juice until the colors are beautifully swirled.

  4. Pour the mixture evenly over the ice in each of the four glasses.

  5. Top each glass with a generous splash of lemon-lime soda to add a bit of effervescence.

  6. Garnish each drink with three fresh cranberries and a slice of orange on the rim. Serve immediately with a straw.

Notes

Use a Lewis bag or a high-speed blender to get that perfect 'snow' consistency for your crushed ice.

If you prefer a less sweet drink, swap the lemon-lime soda for plain sparkling water.

Make sure your vodka and juices are well-chilled before mixing to prevent the ice from melting too quickly.

Rub an orange peel around the rim of the glass before filling to add an extra aromatic citrus punch.

Questions

Can I make this into a non-alcoholic mocktail?
Absolutely! Simply omit the vodka and triple sec and add a splash of orange-flavored sparkling water or extra orange juice instead.
What kind of oranges are best for crushing?
Valencia or Navel oranges are the best choice because they are juicy, sweet, and easy to find year-round.
Do I need a cocktail shaker for this recipe?
No shaker is needed! Crushes are meant to be built in the glass or stirred in a pitcher to maintain the texture of the crushed ice.
Can I use sweetened cranberry cocktail juice?
You can, but it will make the drink much sweeter. If using sweetened juice, you might want to skip the lemon-lime soda and use club soda instead.

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