Cranberry Citrus Vodka Mix (Printer-Friendly)
A bright, tart blend featuring cranberry juice, lime, and vodka with optional sweetness.
# What You'll Need:
→ Spirits
01 - 1.5 fluid ounces vodka
→ Juices
02 - 3 fluid ounces cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened to taste)
03 - 0.5 fluid ounces fresh lime juice
→ Other
04 - 0.33 fluid ounces simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
→ Garnish
05 - Lime wedge or wheel
06 - Fresh cranberries (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
02 - Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup if using to the shaker.
03 - Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
04 - Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or pour over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
05 - Garnish with a lime wedge and a few fresh cranberries if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes less time to make than it does to scroll through a cocktail menu
- The tart cranberry balances the vodka without hiding it
- You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen
02 -
- Shaking for less than 10 seconds leaves the drink too warm and flat
- Using bottled lime juice will make this taste like a premade mixer, not a cocktail
- If you skip the ice in the shaker, you'll end up with something that burns instead of refreshes
03 -
- Shake until the outside of the shaker frosts over, that's your signal it's cold enough
- Use a jigger even when you think you don't need to, consistency matters more than you'd think
- Fresh cranberries sink at first then float as they warm up, it's a nice visual trick that makes the drink feel alive