Sparkling Cranberry Cider
Festive Sparkling Cranberry Cider with Martinelli’s cider, Sprite & cranberry juice. A bubbly holiday drink for Christmas & Thanksgiving.
Happy December, friends! I can hardly believe the last month of the year is already here. This is always one of my favorite seasons, filled with cozy gatherings, family traditions, and of course, lots of holiday recipes. We’re extra excited this year because my birthday is on the 9th, and we’ll be celebrating at Disneyland. We’re counting down the days! Another reason I love December? Christmas time! Our elf on the shelf, Bell, just arrived and surprised the kids with doughnuts and chocolate milk. You should’ve seen their faces, they were thrilled! Moments like that make the holidays so special. Now, let’s talk about this drink that I know you’ll want on your table this season: Sparkling Cranberry Cider.
This is one of my go-to holiday punch recipes because it’s so easy, festive, and refreshing. The bubbly combination of cranberry juice, sparkling apple cider, and Sprite makes a drink that’s loved by both kids and adults. It’s the perfect holiday beverage to serve at Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinner, New Year’s Eve, or any winter gathering for that matter! Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks gorgeous in a pitcher or drink dispenser with fresh cranberries floating on top.
SPARKLING CRANBERRY CIDER
The best part? This Sparkling Cranberry Cider recipe takes only 3 simple ingredients and less than 5 minutes to make. It makes a big batch, which is perfect for parties because it disappears quickly. Everyone will be coming back for seconds! If you’re looking for a festive, kid-friendly holiday drink that’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this Sparkling Cranberry Cider is it. Trust me, it will become one of your family’s favorite holiday traditions, just like it has for ours.
Find my expert tips on how to make sparkling cranberry cider below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Cranberry Cider Recipe:
- 3 Simple ingredients: Martinelli’s sparkling cider, Sprite, and cranberry juice concentrate come together in minutes for the easiest holiday punch.
- Festive & Refreshing: The bubbly mix of cider and soda pairs perfectly with tart cranberry flavor for a drink that feels special and celebratory.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will love this non-alcoholic holiday drink, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- Perfect Party Drink: This recipe makes a large batch in under 5 minutes, so it’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s celebrations.
- Pretty Presentation: Garnish with fresh cranberries and ice cubes for a sparkling drink that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider
- 1 bottle (2 liters) Sprite or Sprite Zero soda
- 2 cans (12 ounces each) frozen cranberry juice concentrate thawed
- fresh cranberries optional, for garnish
- ice cubes
Instructions
In a very large pitcher or large drink dispenser (that can hold up to 2 gallons) add the sparkling cider, sprite and cranberry juice concentrate. Gently stir well to combine.
Serve drinks in individual cups/glasses over ice and with fresh cranberries as a garnish, if desired. Enjoy!
Servings
Yields: around 2 gallons.
16 servings (16 ounces per serving).
Storage
Store any leftover Sparkling Cranberry Cider in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days, though the bubbles will fade with time so it’s best enjoyed fresh. For make-ahead prep, mix the cranberry juice concentrate and Sprite a few hours early, then add the sparkling cider right before serving to keep it fizzy. This drink is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended—if you want something warm, try my Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Sparkling Cranberry Cider:
- Chill Everything First: For the most refreshing drink, refrigerate the sparkling cider, Sprite, and cranberry juice concentrate before mixing. This keeps the cider bubbly and reduces the need for extra ice.
- Add Ice To Individual Cups: To avoid watering down the flavors, don’t add ice to the pitcher. Instead, serve the cider over ice in individual glasses.
- Use Fresh cranberries For Garnish: Toss a handful of fresh cranberries into the pitcher or glasses for a festive pop of color. You can even freeze them first to act as natural ice cubes.
- Choose Sprite or Sprite Zero: Both work well! If you want a lower-sugar option, Sprite Zero keeps it light and refreshing without sacrificing fizz.
- Make It Sparkle: Gently stir the ingredients instead of shaking or mixing vigorously, which can flatten the bubbles.
- Serve In A Clear Pitcher or Dispenser: The vibrant cranberry color makes this drink look beautiful on any holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Mix the cranberry juice concentrate and Sprite a few hours before serving, then add the sparkling cider just before your guests arrive to keep it bubbly and fresh.
Yes! Using Sprite Zero works perfectly and keeps it light and refreshing without losing the bubbly effect.
I don’t recommend freezing because the carbonation will be lost, but you can freeze fresh cranberries and use them as natural ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor.
Definitely! This recipe scales easily—just keep the ratio of cider, Sprite, and cranberry juice concentrate the same for the best flavor and fizz.
Similar Recipes
Craving something similar? Give my orange and cranberry-infused Christmas Punch a try!
Looking for more cranberry goodness? Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Fluff, and White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies.
In the mood for something creamier? Try my Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate or Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate. Both are warm and delicious drinks to serve at your next holiday party.
Have you made this Sparkling Cranberry Cider recipe? ❤️
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #SparklingCranberryCider #CranberryCider #LifeInTheLofthouse
Sparkling Cranberry Cider
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider
- 1 bottle (2 liters) Sprite or Sprite Zero soda
- 2 cans (12 ounces each) frozen cranberry juice concentrate thawed
- fresh cranberries optional, for garnish
- ice cubes
Instructions
- In a very large pitcher or large drink dispenser (that can hold up to 2 gallons) add the sparkling cider, sprite and cranberry juice concentrate. Gently stir well to combine.
- Serve drink in individual cups/glasses over ice and with fresh cranberries as a garnish, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
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I am adding this to my list of things to make! I bought cranberry juice concentrate for Thanksgiving but couldn’t figure out how I wanted to use it. THIS is how I want to use it! 🙂
This cider looks so refreshing!
I’ve looked at 2 grocery stores and nobody has frozen cranberry juice concentrate
That is odd. I got mine at Walmart, I believe. Hopefully you can find some!
I live in South Florida and every year I run into the same issue here. I check about 8 stores and can’t find it. I have in the past substituted a bottle of diet cranberry juice – the low-calorie one – and it tasted good. Not as great as the original but it worked. The original is the one thing I look forward to during the holidays!!
What alcohol would you suggest adding if you wanted to make it an adult drink? Vodka?
Approximately how many does this serve?
This makes around 16 servings