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This recipe brings that seasonal joy to your glass in a few easy, creative steps. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together, decorating your home for the holidays, or winding down by the fireplace, this Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite drink fits right in with the mood, bright, spirited, and full of holiday flavor.
Table of Contents
What Is Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite?
Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite is a limited-edition variant of the classic soda Sprite (lemon-lime flavor) made by The Coca‑Cola Company.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite: chilled the star of the recipe that brings both fizz and festive spice.
- 1 cup cranberry juice: opt for 100% cranberry juice for a tart note, or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter finish.
- ½ cup orange juice: adds a bright citrus layer that complements the Sprite’s lemon-lime base.
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds: for sparkle, texture, and a pop of jewel-like color.
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced: gives a beautiful garnish and infuses subtle citrus oil.
- ½ cup fresh cranberries: to float on top for decoration and a touch of tang.
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional): for a hint of warmth and aromatic depth.
- A few ice cubes or crushed ice: to keep it cool and refreshing.
Optional extras (for creative flair):
- A few mint leaves for garnish.
- A splash of ginger ale or spiced rum (for adult versions).
- A sprig of rosemary for a herbal, woodsy aroma.
Instructions:
- Chill everything in advance: Keep the Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite, juices, and fruits refrigerated for at least an hour before mixing. Cold ingredients preserve the fizz and freshness.
- Prepare your fruits: Rinse and slice the orange into thin, even rounds. Wash the cranberries and pomegranate seeds and pat them dry.
- Mix the juices: In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Add the sparkle: Pour in the Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite slowly to maintain its carbonation. Stir gently with a long spoon, using slow, circular motions to mix without flattening the fizz.
- Add fruits and garnish: Drop in the orange slices, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. Add the cinnamon stick if you want a more aromatic touch.
- Serve over ice: Fill glasses halfway with ice, then pour in the sparkling mixture. Garnish with a few mint leaves or rosemary sprigs if desired.
- Enjoy immediately: The drink is best served cold and freshly mixed, when the carbonation and fruit flavors are most vibrant.
Tips For The Perfect Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite:
- Keep it fizzy: Pour Sprite last and stir slowly. Over-stirring or pouring too fast can release too much carbonation.
- Adjust sweetness: Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a sharper, more tart profile or sweetened juice for a cozy, dessert-like taste.
- For a party punch: Multiply the recipe by 3 or 4 and serve in a large, clear bowl. Add a ring of orange slices and frozen cranberries in an ice mold for a stunning centerpiece.
- Chill your glasses: Place serving glasses in the fridge 10 minutes before serving. It helps the drink stay cold longer.
- Spice it up: If you love warmth in your winter drinks, simmer the cranberry and orange juice with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves before cooling it, then mix in the Sprite once it’s cold.
- Make it festive: Rim your glasses with sugar mixed with a little cinnamon for a holiday sparkle.
What To Serve With
Festive Appetizers:
- Cranberry Brie Bites: The buttery pastry, creamy brie, and touch of cranberry jam mirror the drink’s fruity spice and sweetness. Together, they make the start of your gathering feel like a true holiday celebration.
- Spiced Nuts or Candied Pecans: Their crunch and warmth from cinnamon or nutmeg align beautifully with the gentle spice in the Sprite. Serve them in small bowls alongside chilled glasses for a cozy, pre-dinner pairing.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears: The saltiness of prosciutto with the mellow sweetness of ripe pears balances the citrusy brightness of the drink, creating an elegant and refreshing combination.
Main Dishes:
- Honey-Glazed Ham: The glaze’s sweetness and slight smokiness blend seamlessly with the tang of cranberry and lemon-lime, turning each sip into a refreshing contrast to the savory richness.
- Roast Turkey with Orange-Cranberry Relish: The drink enhances the citrus and cranberry notes already present in the dish, creating a unified holiday flavor experience.
- Spiced Roast Chicken or Duck: When your main course features herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage, the Sprite’s subtle spice accentuates those earthy tones while its effervescence keeps the meal from feeling heavy.
Sides That Shine:
- Sweet Potato Casserole: The creamy texture and natural sweetness of sweet potatoes blend beautifully with the soda’s spice and citrus sparkle.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries: The savory caramelization of roasted sprouts paired with the fruity tang of cranberries makes the Sprite’s flavors pop.
- Buttered Herbed Rice or Wild Rice Pilaf: The clean, aromatic quality of rice with herbs like parsley or dill pairs well with the light fizz of the drink, creating balance and refreshment in every bite.
Desserts:
- Cranberry-Orange Cake: This dessert echoes the drink’s central flavors while the carbonation refreshes your palate after each bite.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies or Gingerbread: The gentle cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies align perfectly with the winter spice in the Sprite, creating a cozy, nostalgic harmony.
- White Chocolate Mousse or Cheesecake: Creamy desserts benefit from the soda’s acidity and sparkle—it cuts through richness while enhancing sweetness.
- Holiday Snacks and Treat Boards: Build a Winter Snack Board with sugared cranberries, dark chocolate, shortbread cookies, cheese cubes, and a few sprigs of rosemary. Serve glasses of Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite nearby for a sparkling accent that keeps things lively and festive.
Substitute Ingredients:
Base Soda Substitutes:
- Regular Sprite or 7UP: The easiest and most accessible substitute. Both have the same bright lemon-lime flavor.
- Lemon Sparkling Water + Simple Syrup: For a lighter option, mix 1 cup of lemon sparkling water with 1 tablespoon of simple syrup or honey to replicate the sweetness level.
- Club Soda + Citrus Juice: If you prefer a less sweet base, mix club soda with 1–2 teaspoons of lemon and lime juice each, then add sugar or honey to taste.
- Pro Tip: Keep all soda bases chilled before mixing to preserve carbonation and freshness.
Cranberry Flavor Substitutes:
- Cranberry Juice (100%): Offers a sharp, tart flavor closest to the original.
- Cranberry Cocktail: A sweeter option if you prefer less acidity.
- Cranberry Syrup or Concentrate: Use a tablespoon or two per glass if you want a deeper red hue and stronger cranberry aroma.
- Pomegranate Juice: A suitable alternative if cranberry juice isn’t available—similar in color and tartness, with a slightly earthier taste.
- Pro Tip: If using pure cranberry juice, add a bit of simple syrup or honey to balance the tartness.
Spice Element Substitutes:
- Cinnamon Stick: Drop one into your glass or simmer briefly in cranberry juice, then cool before mixing.
- Cloves or Allspice: Add one or two whole pieces when simmering your juice for a more festive scent.
- Star Anise: Provides a mild licorice-like note that pairs beautifully with cranberry and citrus.
- Nutmeg or Ginger: A light sprinkle of either gives warmth without overpowering the soda’s brightness.
- Pro Tip: Always cool any spiced syrup or simmered juice completely before combining it with soda to maintain fizz.
Sweeteners And Balancers:
- Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio): the easiest and most neutral choice.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: adds mild depth and natural warmth.
- Cranberry or Grenadine Syrup: gives color, sweetness, and a fruitier finish.
- Pro Tip: Start small, about 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid, and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite, I’m reminded of why I love the holiday season so much. The fizz, the gentle spice, and that bright burst of cranberry create more than a drink; they create a moment.
More Lemonade Recipes:
- Homemade Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha Recipe
- Copycat Dutch Bros Lonely Ghost Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Protein Boosted Milk Recipe
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Vanilla Milkshake Recipe
- Copycat Fall Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite: chilled the star of the recipe that brings both fizz and festive spice.
- 1 cup cranberry juice: opt for 100% cranberry juice for a tart note, or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter finish.
- ½ cup orange juice: adds a bright citrus layer that complements the Sprite’s lemon-lime base.
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds: for sparkle, texture, and a pop of jewel-like color.
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced: gives a beautiful garnish and infuses subtle citrus oil.
- ½ cup fresh cranberries: to float on top for decoration and a touch of tang.
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional): for a hint of warmth and aromatic depth.
- A few ice cubes or crushed ice: to keep it cool and refreshing.
Optional extras (for creative flair):
- A few mint leaves for garnish.
- A splash of ginger ale or spiced rum (for adult versions).
- A sprig of rosemary for a herbal, woodsy aroma.
Instructions
- Chill everything in advance: Keep the Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite, juices, and fruits refrigerated for at least an hour before mixing. Cold ingredients preserve the fizz and freshness.
- Prepare your fruits: Rinse and slice the orange into thin, even rounds. Wash the cranberries and pomegranate seeds and pat them dry.
- Mix the juices: In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Add the sparkle: Pour in the Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite slowly to maintain its carbonation. Stir gently with a long spoon, using slow, circular motions to mix without flattening the fizz.
- Add fruits and garnish: Drop in the orange slices, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. Add the cinnamon stick if you want a more aromatic touch.
- Serve over ice: Fill glasses halfway with ice, then pour in the sparkling mixture. Garnish with a few mint leaves or rosemary sprigs if desired.
- Enjoy immediately: The drink is best served cold and freshly mixed, when the carbonation and fruit flavors are most vibrant.
