Sparkling Vodka Cranberry Cocktail With Spiced Simple Syrup

Two martini glasses filled with a pink cocktail, each glass rimmed with red sugar and garnished with a raspberry. The glasses are placed on a white surface with a soft white cloth underneath.

Sparkling Vodka Cranberry Cocktail With Spiced Simple Syrup

This vodka cranberry cocktail layers a cinnamon and ginger infused simple syrup with tart cranberry juice, fresh lime, vodka, and bubbly ginger ale for a sweet, slightly spicy drink with a pretty pink sugar rim. It is easy to batch for parties, date nights, or serve as a holiday vodka cranberry cocktail.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword cocktail, holiday, spicy, sweet

Prep Time 5

steeping time for simple syrup 30

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 1187

Author Gina Dickson

Equipment

Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 sticks cinnamon four inch long pieces
4 slices ginger peeled and cut into pieces to equal about 2 tablespoons total
1/2 cup white sugar
3 drops red food coloring
1 lime wedge
3 ounces cranberry juice
2 ounces spiced simple syrup
1 ounce lime juice
2 ounces vodka
6 ounces ginger ale

Instructions

Make the Spiced Simple Syrup

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water
Cook over medium high heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. This takes about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add the cinnamon sticks and ginger slices. Let them steep for 30 minutes.
2 sticks cinnamon , 4 slices ginger
Discard the cinnamon sticks and ginger. Cool the syrup completely.

Prepare the Sugar Rim

Place the white sugar in a zip top bag.
1/2 cup white sugar
Add the red food coloring and shake until the sugar is evenly tinted. Add more drops if you want a deeper color.
3 drops red food coloring
Pour the colored sugar onto a shallow plate.

Build the Cocktail

Rub the lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into the colored sugar.
1 lime wedge
Add the cranberry juice, spiced simple syrup, lime juice, and vodka to a cocktail shaker. Shake well.
3 ounces cranberry juice, 2 ounces spiced simple syrup, 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lime juice
Pour the mixture into the prepared glass without wetting the sugar rim.
Add the ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
6 ounces ginger ale

Notes

Storage

Room Temperature: The cocktail is best enjoyed right after you make it while it is cold and bubbly. If it sits out and goes flat, it is better to mix a fresh drink.
Fridge: You can make the cinnamon ginger simple syrup several days ahead, or chill a mixed base of cranberry juice, spiced simple syrup, lime juice, and vodka for a few hours, then pour into glasses and top with cold ginger ale when serving.
Freezer: Do not freeze the finished cocktail. Instead, chill your glasses and vodka in the freezer so the drink stays extra cold when you mix it.

Nutrition