Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktail

The holiday season is fully upon us and that means one thing: a calendar full of holiday parties to host and attend! Even if you’re only hosting one small gathering this season, it’s always fun to have a signature seasonal cocktail and this cranberry pomegranate cocktail is just the thing! With its combination of tart and sweet flavors and the gorgeous red color, this cocktail will become a holiday {and maybe year-round} favorite!

I love a big pot of mulled wine at a Christmas party but sometimes a cold cocktail suits the occasion and this recipe is easy. You can mix drinks individually, set up a festive drink station and allow guests to mix their own, or fill a big punch bowl right before the party.

To make this cranberry pomegranate cocktail, for each drink you’ll need 2 ounces of raspberry pomegranate vodka, 1 cup chilled cranberry cocktail or juice, 1/4 cup chilled sprite or other lemon-lime soda, and fresh cranberries and sugar for garnishing.

Pour the vodka into a tall glass, add the cranberry cocktail, pour the soda over slowly, and stir gently to mix. Add ice as desired.

To garnish the cocktail and add a bit of a holiday flair, thread three or four fresh cranberries onto a wooden skewer.

Run them under water then roll them in a bowl of sugar …

… to get a simple but pretty, frosted look. Stick the skewer into the drink along with a pretty paper straw.

If you want to add some additional color, pop in a sprig of thyme as well! You could even muddle a little thyme into the vodka and strain it before adding the other ingredients if you want to add another dimension to the flavor.