This festive spritzer has become my go-to holiday pour ever since a chilly December evening when friends popped by unexpectedly. I wanted something showy, simple, and crowd-pleasing: bright citrus, puckery cranberry, a little cherry sweetness, and the bubbly lift of ginger ale. The combination felt like a holiday soundtrack in a glass — lively, familiar, and effortlessly celebratory. I first mixed it in a borrowed punch bowl for an impromptu gathering, and the pitcher emptied so fast that I had to make a second round. It’s now a seasonal staple at every gathering, from cookie swaps to quiet dinners with family.

What makes this drink special is the way the flavors layer without competing. Fresh orange brings sunny sweetness, cranberry juice adds that winter-tart bite, lemon brightens everything, while maraschino cherry juice contributes a nostalgic red-velvet note. The vodka offers a warming background when wanted; omit or replace it for a non-alcoholic version that still feels festive. Texture-wise, the ginger ale introduces a lively effervescence that lifts the heavier juices, making each sip refreshing rather than cloying. If you love pretty, fast-to-make beverages that look as good as they taste, this one is for you.

Ingredients

• Orange juice (2 cups): Use 100% chilled orange juice (freshly squeezed if you can) for the best brightness. I like Tropicana or freshly squeezed Valencia oranges; the fresh acidity lifts the spritz and prevents it from tasting flat.
• Cranberry juice (2 cups): Opt for 100% cranberry juice rather than cocktail versions for authentic tartness. If too tart, you can sweeten slightly or rely on the maraschino juice to round it out.
• Ginger ale (2 cups): Provides the bubbles and ginger warmth—Canada Dry or Schweppes work well. Swap for lemon-lime soda (7UP/Sprite) for a lighter, sweeter fizz.
• Vodka (1 cup): Use a mid-range neutral vodka if making alcoholic; Tito’s or Smirnoff are good reliable choices. For a non-alcoholic variant, replace with an extra cup of ginger ale or sparkling water.
• Maraschino cherry juice (1/2 cup): Adds color and that unmistakable cherry note—reserve a few cherries for garnish. Alternatively, cherry syrup or Cherry 7UP can be substituted but adjust sweetness accordingly.
• Lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon): Freshly squeezed juice brightens and balances the sweetness. Avoid bottled lemon juice; the fresh citrus oils make a noticeable difference.
• Garnish: A handful of fresh cranberries and a few rosemary sprigs per pitcher for aroma and holiday presentation.

Instructions

Measure and chill: Make sure all juices and the ginger ale are well chilled before assembling. Cold ingredients keep the spritz lively and delay dilution from ice. Measure into a large measuring cup or use measuring cups to portion everything precisely. Combine the base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour 2 cups orange juice, 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups ginger ale, 1 cup vodka (optional), and 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice. Add the freshly squeezed juice from one large lemon. The order isn’t critical, but I usually add the heavier juices first and top with the ginger ale to preserve effervescence. Gentle mixing: Using a long spoon, gently stir the mixture just until combined—about 10 to 15 slow strokes. Vigorous stirring will flatten the bubbles. Taste and adjust: if it’s too tart, add a splash more orange juice or a teaspoon of simple syrup; if it’s too sweet, add a touch more lemon juice or an extra 1/4 cup cranberry juice for balance. Serve over ice: Fill festive glasses with ice and pour the spritzer over. The cold glass keeps the drink crisp; pour gently to allow bubbles to rise rather than dissipate. For a punch-bowl presentation, add large ice blocks or an ice ring studded with cranberries to keep dilution slow and dramatic. Garnish and finish: Garnish each glass with 2–3 cranberries or a maraschino cherry and a sprig of rosemary. For an extra holiday touch, add a splash (about 1 ounce) of sparkling water to each glass just before serving for extra lift.

Storage Tips

Assemble the juice base (orange, cranberry, maraschino juice, and lemon) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in an airtight pitcher; add ginger ale and vodka only right before serving to preserve carbonation and freshness. If you make the full spritz and have leftovers, keep them refrigerated and drink within 24 hours—store-bought juices will prevent spoilage but bubbles will fade. For punch-bowl service, use large ice blocks or a decorative ice ring to minimize dilution. Reheat is not applicable—simply stir gently and top with fresh ginger ale when serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter profile, substitute the ginger ale with lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, bubble-forward version. For lower sugar, swap cranberry juice for unsweetened cranberry juice diluted with water and add a teaspoon of a zero-calorie sweetener if needed. Swap vodka for gin for an herbal twist, or omit it entirely for a family-friendly pitcher — replace with chilled sparkling water to maintain volume. If maraschino juice isn’t available, a tablespoon of cherry syrup diluted into 1/2 cup water approximates the flavor but be mindful of added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in clear glassware to show off the deep red hue and floating cranberries. Pair with salty snacks like spiced nuts or a cheese board: the drink’s acidity cuts through creamy cheeses and complements aged cheddar or brie. For a brunch setting, offer alongside warm cinnamon rolls or buttermilk pancakes; for evening gatherings, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey sliders or glazed ham. Garnish ideas include citrus wheels, rosemary sprigs, and skewered maraschino cherries for a cheerful presentation.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, add a cinnamon stick to the pitcher as it chills for a subtle spice note. For a summer party, swap cranberry for pomegranate juice and add fresh muddled mint for brightness. Over holidays, float star-shaped orange slices or a sprig of thyme to echo seasonal baking flavors. For New Year’s Eve, use prosecco in place of ginger ale and reduce orange juice slightly for a slightly more adult, sparkling cocktail.

Meal Prep Tips

Prep juices in measured containers and label them: keep citrus separate and freshly squeezed to prevent bitterness. If you’re entertaining, make the non-carbonated base up to one day ahead and refrigerate; chill the ginger ale and vodka separately. When ready, combine and pour into chilled glasses. Use insulated pitchers to keep the beverage cold longer and consider pre-chilling serving glasses in the freezer for added longevity.

This spritzer is an invitation to celebrate in simple, thoughtful ways—bright flavors, pretty garnishes, and the option to make it as spirited or as family-friendly as you like. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch how quickly it becomes a new holiday favorite.