Cranberry Kringle Cocktail Recipe

Cranberry Kringle Cocktail Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Cranberry Kringle Cocktail is a festive drink that originated in the United States. It's a favorite during the holiday season, particularly Christmas and New Year's Eve. The cocktail is named after the Kringle, a Scandinavian pastry that is popular during the holidays. Those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart flavors would love this cocktail. It's also a hit among those who appreciate vodka-based cocktails.

  • Origin: United States
  • Popular during: Christmas and New Year's Eve
  • Named after: Kringle, a Scandinavian pastry

How Cranberry Kringle Cocktail Tastes?

The Cranberry Kringle Cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. The cranberry juice provides a tangy kick, while the simple syrup and orange liqueur add a sweet counterbalance. The vodka gives the cocktail a strong, robust backbone.

Interesting facts about Cranberry Kringle Cocktail

  • The Cranberry Kringle Cocktail is often served in a martini glass, garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint.
  • Despite its festive connotations, the cocktail can be enjoyed all year round.
  • The cocktail's red color makes it a visually appealing choice for holiday parties.

Ingredients

A few good options for Cranberry Kringle Cocktail are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The spirit base of our cocktail; at 2 oz, it's just enough to give a kick without knocking your socks off. Vodka is a neutral spirit and provides a clean canvas for the other flavors. Skimp on it, and you’ll have a mocktail, but too much could turn Santa’s sleigh upside down!

Mary Mitkina

Cranberry Juice

4 oz of this tarty beauty gives our cocktail its 'Kringle' identity. It’s the main flavor profile, so use a good quality one. Opt for less, and you might as well be sipping on a slightly flavored vodka. More, and the vodka will get lost in the North Pole.

Alex Green

Orange Liqueur

1 oz adds a citrusy depth and a touch of sweetness. It's like the tinsel on the tree; without it, everything looks less festive. You can use triple sec or curaçao as alternatives.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

Sweetness to balance the tart, 1 oz should do the trick. It’s like adjusting the volume on carols—turn it up for more cheer or down if you’re a Grinch. If you skip it, your lips might pucker more than under the mistletoe.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Cranberries

For garnish, they're the ornaments on your cocktail glass. A little festive cheer that doesn’t affect the taste too much, but they’re the visual cue that this is no ordinary drink.

Alex Green

Mint Sprig

Also for garnish, because it’s not really Christmas until you add a little green. Plus, it gives a subtle aroma which enhances the sipping experience.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Cranberry Kringle Cocktail Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake well for about 20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
  5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh cranberry juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the martini glass before serving for an extra cold cocktail.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker until it feels cold to the touch for a well-mixed drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platters: Soft cheeses like brie or camembert work beautifully with the tartness of cranberry.
  • Seafood: Grilled shrimp or salmon cakes make great companions due to their savory flavors that complement the citrus notes in the cocktail.

Main Courses

  • Turkey or Chicken: The classic pairing of cranberry with poultry is a no-brainer; think of this cocktail as a liquid twist on the traditional holiday sauce.
  • Vegetarian Dishes: Butternut squash risotto or a quinoa salad with orange vinaigrette echo the citrus and sweet notes.

Desserts

  • Chocolate: Dark chocolate or a chocolate fondue can balance the sweetness of the drink with its rich bitterness.
  • Fruit Pies: An apple or pear pie with a dash of cinnamon could marry well with the cranberry and citrus flavors.

Additional Drinks

  • Champagne: A glass of bubbly can cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail, or even be used as a mixer for a variation on the recipe.

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What you could change in Cranberry Kringle Cocktail

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with gin for a different flavor profile.
  • Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Grand Marnier can be used instead.
  • Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey can be used for a natural sweetener alternative.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Cranberry Kringle Royale

  • Add 1 oz of champagne to the mix before shaking.
  • The bubbly addition will lighten the drink and give it a posh New Year's Eve feel. Plus, it adds a celebratory pop!

Spiced Cranberry Kringle

  • Muddle some fresh ginger and cinnamon in the shaker before adding the liquids.
  • This spicy twist will warm your chestnuts on an open fire. It's the Christmas market in a glass!

Frosty Kringle

  • Substitute vodka with vanilla vodka and garnish with a vanilla bean.
  • Like a snowflake landing on your tongue, this version will be sweeter and add a dessert-like quality. It’s Santa’s naughty list in a good way!

In case you forgot basics how to make Cranberry Kringle Cocktail

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cranberry Kringle Cocktail

What type of vodka is best to use in this cocktail?

This cocktail doesn't call for a specific type of vodka, so you're free to use your personal favourite. Something smooth and of high quality will yield the best results.

Can the cranberry juice be substituted with something else?

Yes, if you don't like or don't have cranberry juice, you could substitute with another tart juice like pomegranate. Keep in mind this may alter the taste and colour of your cocktail.

How can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

You can replace the vodka with soda water or a non-alcoholic vodka. The orange liqueur can be replaced with an orange-flavored syrup or fresh orange juice.

What are some good food pairings with this cocktail?

Since the Cranberry Kringle Cocktail has a sweet and tart flavor profile, it pairs well with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham. It could also accompany cheeses and crackers, or a sweet dessert.

Can I batch mix this cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need, mix everything together in a large container, and then chill it. It's best served fresh, so don't mix it too far in advance of your party.

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