Cranberry Orange Juice Drink: A Tart Berry Citrus Blend
Freshly squeezed orange juice is the core of this cranberry orange juice drink. Buy oranges that feel heavy for their size to ensure they are full of juice. Avoid fruit with thick, pitted skins or a dull colour, as these often produce a flat taste. Squeeze the oranges by hand just before mixing to maintain a bright, tropical aroma.
This drink is a tart-sweet blend of 600 ml unsweetened cranberry juice and 600 ml freshly squeezed orange juice. You add 15 ml fresh lime juice to brighten the tartness and 120 ml lemon-lime soda for a lively fizz. Refrigerate the base for 30 minutes to let the flavours meld before serving over ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange wheel, and a rosemary sprig for a fragrant, palate-cleansing result.
Cranberry Orange Juice Drink: A Tart Berry Citrus Blend
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Mix the base
Pour 600 ml unsweetened cranberry juice and 600 ml freshly squeezed orange juice into a large mixing jug. Combine these two juices to create the tart-sweet foundation of the drink.
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Balance the flavour
Add 30 ml simple syrup for sweetness and 15 ml fresh lime juice. The lime juice brightens the tartness of the cranberries to ensure the flavour is balanced.
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Blend and chill
Stir the mixture well until all components are evenly blended. Refrigerate the juice blend for 30 minutes so the flavours meld and the liquid reaches a cold temperature.
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Prepare the glasses
Fill each serving glass halfway with crystalline ice cubes or crushed ice. Cold glassware prevents the soda from losing its carbonation too quickly.
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Pour the base
Pour 200 ml of the chilled cranberry-orange base into each glass. Ensure the liquid settles around the ice for a consistent chill.
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Add the fizz
Top each glass with 100 ml lemon-lime soda. Use a long-spoon to stir gently so you combine the soda and juice without losing the lively carbonation.
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Garnish and serve
Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries, a thin orange wheel, and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately to maintain the fizz and the palate-cleansing effect.
Avoid using bottled orange juice as it often tastes flat. Use freshly squeezed juice to ensure a bright tropical aroma. If the drink tastes too tart, stir in an extra teaspoon of simple syrup before chilling to balance the acidity.
Orange juice substitutes
Use bottled orange juice if fresh is unavailable. Freshly squeezed juice provides a stronger tropical aroma, whereas bottled versions often taste flat. Avoid substituting with other citrus juices, as this changes the fundamental balance of sweetness and acidity required for this cranberry orange juice drink.
What to serve with it
Pair this drink with light, citrus-infused salads or grilled chicken for a balanced meal. The tart profile acts as a palate cleanser. For gatherings, use this beverage as a vibrant base for a non-alcoholic brunch punch spread served in elegant highball glasses.
Storing and reheating
Store the juice blend without soda in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 weeks. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding soda. Leftovers kept at room temperature must be served within 4 hours and kept away from direct sunlight to maintain quality.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 115
- Protein
- 1.2 g
- Carbs
- 26.5 g
- Fat
- 0.2 g
- Fiber
- 0.8 g
- Sugar
- 21.0 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What is the drink called with orange juice and cranberry juice?
This specific version is a Cranberry Orange Juice Drink. While various names exist for similar blends, adding soda and rosemary makes it a refined mocktail suitable for brunch or festive gatherings.
Is it good to mix orange juice and cranberry juice together?
Yes. The sweetness of the orange juice balances the tartness of the cranberry juice. Adding lime juice further brightens the flavour profile, creating a balanced, refreshing beverage.
What cocktail is made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and vodka?
A Madras cocktail typically uses these ingredients. To make this non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and add lemon-lime soda for carbonation and a lively fizz.
