Jolly Holiday Citrus Cocktail Recipe: Sparkle in Every Sip

Sparkling holiday magic dances through this vibrant Christmas citrus cocktail that promises to brighten winter gatherings.

Zesty oranges and fresh cranberries blend perfectly in this festive cocktail recipe that will delight your senses.

Seasonal spirits and bright citrus create a harmonious drink bursting with cheerful flavors.

Winter celebrations come alive with each sip of this ruby-red concoction.

Sweet and tangy notes mingle to craft a memorable beverage that captures the essence of holiday cheer.

Shake, pour, and toast to the most wonderful time of the year with this show-stopping cocktail that will impress every guest at your holiday party.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 1

Holly Jolly Citrus Cocktail Ingredients

• Vodka or Gin: Smooth base spirit that adds a crisp, clean kick to the cocktail, choose a high-quality brand for best flavor.
• Orange Juice: Brings sweet, sunny brightness, use freshly squeezed for maximum vibrant taste.
• Grapefruit Juice: Adds tangy, slightly bitter complexity, select ripe, juicy grapefruits for the most intense flavor.
• Lime Juice: Provides sharp, zesty acidity that balances the drink, fresh-squeezed is always preferred.

• Ginger Syrup: Introduces warm, spicy undertones, homemade or premium store-bought works best.
• Sparkling Water or Ginger Ale: Creates effervescent lightness, chilled ensures optimal refreshment.

• Sugar: Creates a festive, glittery rim that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
• Orange Slice: Decorative and flavor-enhancing garnish that complements the citrus profile.
• Lime Slice: Adds a pop of color and fresh citrus aroma.
• Cranberries: Provide a festive, jewel-like touch with a hint of tartness.
• Rosemary Sprig: Brings elegant herbal note and sophisticated Christmas-inspired presentation.

Bartender Tools for Holiday Citrus Drinks

• Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling all ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Jigger: Precise tool for accurately portioning spirits and juices.
• Ice Cube Tray: Provides necessary chilling element for the cocktail.
• Citrus Juicer or Reamer: Helps extract fresh juice from oranges, limes, and grapefruits.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing citrus garnishes and cutting fruit wedges.
• Tall Glass: Serves as the final serving vessel for the festive drink.
• Optional Sugar Plate: Used for rimming the glass with sugar for extra decoration.
• Strainer: Helps pour the cocktail smoothly without ice chunks.

Mixing Up a Cheerful Christmas Cocktail

• Sparkle the Glass

Grab your favorite cocktail glass and fill it with ice. For extra pizzazz, create a sugar rim by sliding a juicy citrus wedge around the glass edge, then dunk it in sugar crystals.

• Shake Things Up

Toss vodka or gin, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and ginger syrup into a cocktail shaker packed with ice. Give it a vigorous shake for about 10 seconds to blend the flavors and chill the drink.

• Create the Magic

Pour the shaken mixture through a strainer into your prepared glass. Crown the cocktail with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale to add a playful fizzy kick.

• Deck the Drink

Top your festive beverage with a bright orange or lime slice, sprinkle a few festive cranberries, and crown with a fragrant rosemary sprig. Your Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail is ready to dazzle and delight!

Add More Zing to Your Holiday Drink

• Festive Rim Trick: Create a glistening sugar rim by using colored sugar crystals or mixing regular sugar with edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the cocktail mix in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain perfect fizziness.
• Low-Alcohol Option: Reduce vodka or gin amount and increase sparkling water for a lighter, more refreshing version that's perfect for casual holiday gatherings.
• Mocktail Transformation: Skip the alcohol entirely by replacing vodka or gin with additional fresh citrus juice or sparkling water for a family-friendly version.
• Seasonal Herb Swap: Experiment with different herb garnishes like mint or thyme to create unique flavor profiles that complement the citrus base.

Present Citrus Cocktails With Holiday Charm

• Festive Party Pleaser: Serve this cocktail at holiday gatherings as a stunning welcome drink that instantly elevates the mood and impresses guests.
• Winter Brunch Star: Pair the cocktail with light breakfast dishes like smoked salmon quiche, citrus-glazed pastries, or a fresh fruit platter for a delightful morning celebration.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Create a beautiful charcuterie board with sharp cheeses, candied nuts, citrus-infused olives, and cured meats that complement the drink's bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Cozy Fireside Sip: Enjoy this cocktail by the fireplace with soft blankets and winter-themed music, turning the drink into a complete sensory holiday experience.

Storage Tips for Premade Holiday Cocktails

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cocktail ingredients in a cool, dark pantry. Citrus juices stay fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Quick Batch Prep: Make ginger syrup and juice blends ahead of time. Store in glass bottles in the refrigerator up to one week, ensuring faster cocktail assembly during holiday gatherings.
• Freezer Flavor Boosters: Freeze leftover citrus juices in ice cube trays. Pop cubes directly into future cocktails for intense, chilled flavor without diluting the drink's strength.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Create cocktail ingredient kits by pre-measuring spirits and juices in sealed containers. Label with date and contents, keeping everything organized and ready for spontaneous celebrations.

Festive Christmas Citrus Cocktail

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Holly jolly christmas citrus cocktail blends festive flavors from Mediterranean regions into a sparkling holiday drink. Cranberry, orange, and vodka combine elegantly for a cheerful seasonal celebration you’ll savor with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka or gin
• 3 oz (90 ml) sparkling water or ginger ale
• 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• ½ oz (15 ml) ginger syrup (or simple syrup for a milder flavor)
• ½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• Orange slices
• Lime slices
• Fresh cranberries
• Rosemary sprig

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Instructions

1. Prepare Glassware: Generously fill a festive cocktail glass with crystalline ice cubes, creating a frosty foundation for the holiday libation.
2. Rim Enhancement: Trace the glass edge with a citrus wedge and delicately coat with granulated sugar for a sparkling presentation.
3. Cocktail Mixing: Load a cocktail shaker with ice, then combine spirit, orange essence, grapefruit nectar, lime juice, and ginger syrup. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds to blend flavors and create a harmonious mixture.
4. Pouring Technique: Strain the luminous liquid into the prepared glass with a smooth, elegant motion that showcases the cocktail’s vibrant character.
5. Effervescent Finish: Top the drink with sparkling water or ginger ale, introducing a playful fizzy element that elevates the overall experience.
6. Festive Garnishing: Artfully arrange an orange or lime slice, scatter cranberry jewels, and crown with a fragrant rosemary sprig to capture the holly jolly holiday essence.
7. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately, inviting guests to immerse themselves in this seasonally inspired, jubilant cocktail celebration.

Notes

• Chill Glass Perfectly: Use large, crystal-clear ice cubes to maintain optimal temperature without rapid dilution, ensuring a crisp cocktail experience.
• Sugar Rim Technique: Press rimming sugar gently and evenly, rotating glass at a 45-degree angle for consistent, professional-looking decoration that enhances visual appeal.
• Shake with Precision: Shake cocktail exactly 10 seconds for balanced temperature and texture; over-shaking can make drink too watery and compromise flavor complexity.
• Garnish Strategically: Select fresh, vibrant herbs and fruits; place rosemary and citrus slices intentionally to release aromatic oils and create Instagram-worthy presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Cocktails
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 139
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg