Copycat Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Recipe

When the chill sets in and festive lights begin to twinkle, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing yet cozy drink to capture the spirit of the season. Enter the Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, a sparkling beverage that blends the zesty brightness of lemon-lime soda with tart cranberry and a hint of warming spice.

What Is Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry?

Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is a limited-edition seasonal variant of Sprite (the lemon-lime soda by Coca-Cola) that comes out around the winter/holiday time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Sprite (chilled)
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice (100% juice for tartness or cranberry cocktail for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust for desired sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground allspice (or a dash of nutmeg/clove if preferred)
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
• Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
• Ice.

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Glass: Fill a glass or mason jar with ice to keep your beverage nice and cold.
2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and allspice (or your chosen warm spice). Mixing first helps avoid clumping.
3. Combine Liquids: In a separate pitcher or mixing glass, pour the cranberry juice and simple syrup. Add in your spices and stir vigorously until well blended.
4. Add the Sprite: Slowly pour in the chilled Sprite. Gently stir to combine, don’t over-stir or you’ll lose that signature fizz.
5. Garnish and Serve: Pour the mixture into your prepared ice-filled glass. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and an orange slice for a festive look. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips For The Best Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite:

• Experiment with Spices: Cinnamon and allspice give classic festive vibes, but you can try a dash of nutmeg, clove, or even a whole star anise for extra warmth.
• Adjust Sweetness: Some like it tangy, others prefer sweet! Start with less simple syrup and add to taste.
• Go Fresh: Freshly squeezed cranberry juice adds more tartness and depth than bottled varieties.
• Batch It for Parties: Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher or punch bowl for a crowd. Add Sprite just before serving to preserve the fizz.
• Make it a Mocktail or Cocktail: For a grown-up twist, add a splash of vodka or gin. Keep it alcohol-free for a delicious mocktail everyone can enjoy.
• Chill Everything: For the frostiest sip, make sure all your ingredients, especially the Sprite, are well chilled before mixing.

What To Serve With

• Roasted Turkey & Chicken: Classic holiday proteins like roast turkey or chicken are given new life alongside this refreshing spiced drink. The tartness from cranberries and the delicate spice in the beverage cut through the richness of the meat, acting as a palate cleanser and highlighting the savory flavors.
• Festive Appetizer Boards: Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry sparks joy amid charcuterie boards, cheese platters, and finger foods. Its crispness complements salty, creamy, and tangy bites.
• Holiday Sides: Side dishes bursting with flavor pair exceptionally well with your spiced soda. The drink’s acidity and spices contrast with comforting, starchy sides.
• Hearty Winter Stews: Winter warmers like stew and chili are offset nicely by a zesty, soda-based drink. The Sprite and cranberry refresh the palate between bites of rich, slow-cooked meals.
• Sweet Treats & Desserts: Nothing says festive like desserts! The fruity and spiced notes of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry complement autumnal and holiday treats beautifully.
• Brunch Fare: This drink is also a lively addition to any holiday brunch spread, bringing sparkle and spice to savory and sweet morning favorites.

Ingredient Substitutes:

Cranberry Juice:

• Fresh Cranberries: Simmer fresh cranberries with water and a bit of sugar (see below) to make your own juice.
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail: Store-bought, typically made with cranberry concentrate, sweeteners (like cane sugar or corn syrup), and water.

Simple Syrup:

• Sugar: White granulated sugar is traditional, but you can also use honey or agave for a different flavor.
• Water: Equal parts water and sugar are boiled together until dissolved.
• Optional Flavorings: Add vanilla bean, orange zest, or ginger to infuse extra layers of taste.

Winter Spices:

• Cinnamon: Ground or a cinnamon stick; for spice and sweetness.
• Allspice: Offers a blend of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon notes.
• Clove: Use whole or ground for deep, warm flavor.
• Nutmeg: Freshly grated is recommended.
• Star Anise: (Optional) Lends a licorice-like sweetness.
• Ginger: Fresh slices or ground ginger provide zing.
• Orange Peel: For a citrusy counterpart to the sweetness and spice.

Sprite (or Lemon-Lime Soda):

• Club Soda/Sparkling Water: For fizz.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: For tang.
• Fresh Lime Juice: For zest.
• Sweetener: Simple syrup or agave to taste.

Garnishes (Optional):

• Fresh Cranberries
• Orange Slices or Zest
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Fresh Rosemary or Mint Sprigs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a drink that captures the essence of winter, bright, crisp, and comforting, all at once. Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is more than just a festive refreshment; it’s a celebration in a glass, combining tart cranberry, warming spices, and bubbly sweetness for a truly seasonal treat.

More Cocktail Recipes:

• Cutwater Tiki Rum Punch Cocktail Recipe
• Spiced Apple Paloma Cocktail Recipe
• Copycat VMC Tequila Cocktail Recipe
• Copycat Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail Recipe
• Homemade Montebello Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

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Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 5 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute Nutrition facts: 120 calories 0 gram fat

Ingredients

• 2 cups Sprite (chilled)
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice (100% juice for tartness or cranberry cocktail for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust for desired sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground allspice (or a dash of nutmeg/clove if preferred)
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
• Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
• Ice

Instructions

1. Prep Your Glass: Fill a glass or mason jar with ice to keep your beverage nice and cold.
2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and allspice (or your chosen warm spice). Mixing first helps avoid clumping.
3. Combine Liquids: In a separate pitcher or mixing glass, pour the cranberry juice and simple syrup. Add in your spices and stir vigorously until well blended.
4. Add the Sprite: Slowly pour in the chilled Sprite. Gently stir to combine, don't over-stir or you'll lose that signature fizz.
5. Garnish and Serve: Pour the mixture into your prepared ice-filled glass. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and an orange slice for a festive look. Serve immediately and enjoy!