Easy Cranberry Holiday Lemon Drop Recipe (Christmas Cocktail) 🍋🎄🍸
This Cranberry Holiday Lemon Drop is a bright, festive cocktail made with tart cranberry simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a sparkling holiday sugar rim. Perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, New Year's Eve celebrations, and winter entertaining, this beautiful cranberry cocktail looks just as impressive as it tastes.
The vibrant red color and festive sugar rim make it one of the most eye-catching holiday cocktails you'll serve all season.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect Christmas cocktail
Beautiful festive presentation
Sweet and tart flavor
Easy holiday party drink
Great for entertaining
Ready in minutes
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Lemon Drop
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce cranberry simple syrup
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce triple sec
Ice
For the Festive Rim
Holiday cocktail sugar rimmer
Lemon wedge
Garnish
Fresh cranberries
Lemon wheel
Rosemary sprig
Recommended Products
Cranberry Simple Syrup
Click To Buy Cranberry Simple Syrup On Amazon!
This syrup adds the perfect sweet cranberry flavor without needing to make homemade cranberry syrup from scratch.
Holiday Cocktail Sugar Rimmer
Click Here To Buy Snowy River Kosher Holiday Cocktail Sugar On Amazon!
This festive sugar blend instantly transforms any cocktail into a holiday-worthy drink.
Equipment Needed
Cocktail shaker
Martini glass
Jigger
Small plate for sugar rim
How to Make a Cranberry Holiday Lemon Drop
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass.
Dip the rim into the holiday cocktail sugar until evenly coated.
Set aside.
Step 2: Shake the Cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add:
Vodka
Cranberry simple syrup
Fresh lemon juice
Triple sec
Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain into the prepared martini glass.
Step 4: Garnish
Top with:
Fresh cranberries
Lemon wheel
Rosemary sprig
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Chill your martini glass before serving.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Freeze cranberries for an elegant garnish.
Add a splash of prosecco for extra holiday sparkle.
Perfect Pairings
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Christmas Crack
Christmas Fudge
Sweet Potato Hand Pies
Pecan Pie Bars
Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
Variations
Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop
Top with prosecco or champagne.
Frozen Cranberry Lemon Drop
Blend ingredients with ice for a frozen version.
Cranberry Rosemary Lemon Drop
Add rosemary-infused simple syrup for a winter twist.
Cranberry Mocktail Lemonade
Replace vodka with sparkling water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the cocktail ingredients in advance and shake with ice before serving.
What vodka works best?
Any quality vodka works well. Citrus vodka adds extra flavor.
Can I make a pitcher version?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by six for a holiday party batch.
What can I garnish with besides cranberries?
Rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, lemon twists, or cinnamon sticks all work beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g