The twinkle of lights, the clink of glasses, the laughter of friends gathering near—there’s nothing quite like the magic of the holiday season. And this year, that magic starts with what’s in your glass. From cozy evenings by the fire to sparkling soirées with your favorite people, festive drinks are the heart of every great celebration.

With Ocean Spray at the bar cart, hosting becomes effortless and unforgettable. Their bright cranberry flavors bring the perfect blend of seasonal richness and refreshing zing—setting the stage for cocktails and mocktails that impress with every sip. Whether you’re adding bubbles, warming spices, or botanical notes, Ocean Spray is the base that ties it all together, transforming simple ingredients into festive showstoppers that feel thoughtful and full of holiday cheer.

So grab your favorite Ocean Spray juice and raise a glass—because the holidays are here, your guests are on the way, and every celebration deserves a splash of color, flavor, and cranberry sparkle!

Cranberry Chai Sparkle

Difficulty: Medium • 20 servings • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 liters Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• 2 cups chai tea, chilled
• 24 oz sparkling water
• 2 oranges, sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, for garnish
• 10-15 star anise, for garnish

Directions:

1. Pat the orange slices dry with a paper towel.
2. Spread the granulated sugar onto a plate, and coat both sides of each orange slice in the sugar.
3. Using a small kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it is an even golden brown. Set the slices aside.
4. In a large punch bowl, combine the Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail, chai tea, and sparkling water.
5. Garnish the punch with the cranberries, the brûléed orange slices, and 5-10 star anise. Serve over ice, and enjoy!

White Cranberry Buttered Rum

Difficulty: Easy • 1 serving • Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Ocean Spray® White Cranberry Juice Drink
• 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
• 1 egg white
• ¼ cup Brown Butter Caramel

for the Brown Butter Caramel:

• 15-20 soft caramel candies
• 3 Tbsp brown butter
• 2 Tbsp heavy cream, room temperature

Directions:

1. To make the Brown Butter Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the caramels. Once they begin to melt, reduce heat to low, and stir constantly until almost entirely melted, about 3–4 minutes. Add the brown butter, stirring to combine. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble, so be careful! Continue stirring until glossy and pourable, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a squeeze bottle, and use while warm.
2. Add the Ocean Spray® White Cranberry Juice Drink, egg white, and spiced rum into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Add the lid, shake vigorously for 15 seconds, then strain into a coupe glass.
4. Squeeze some of the Brown Butter Caramel on top of the cocktail in your desired design. Share and enjoy!
   
   

Cranberry Cosmo Sparkle

Difficulty: Easy • 1 serving • Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Ocean Spray® Cranberry Cocktail
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• ½ cup ice (about 5-6 cubes)
• 2 oz Prosecco
• fresh cranberries, for garnish
  
  

Directions:

1. Pour the lemon juice onto a small, rimmed plate, and spread the granulated sugar on another plate roughly the same size.
2. Flip a martini glass upside down into the lemon juice, then dunk in the sugar to coat the rim.
3. Pour the Ocean Spray® Cranberry Cocktail and vodka into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
4. Add the lid, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain the cocktail into the rimmed martini glass.
5. Top with Prosecco, and garnish with a skewer of cranberries. Cheers!

Zero Sugar Cranberry + Rosemary Gin Fizz

Difficulty: Easy • 1 serving • Total Time: 8 hours

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz Ocean Spray® Zero Sugar Cranberry Juice Drink
• 1 orange
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 oz gin
• ice

for the Cranberry Ice Cubes:

• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cups water

Directions:

1. To make Cranberry Ice Cubes: add 3 cranberries to each pocket of a medium ice cube tray, and cover with water. There may be extra water, depending on the size of your tray. Freeze for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
2. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to cut a strip of orange peel, being careful to avoid the white pith.
3. Place the orange peel and 1 sprig of rosemary in a cocktail mixing glass. Add in the gin, and muddle to infuse. Pour the Ocean Spray® Zero Sugar Cranberry Juice Drink in the mixing glass, and add enough ice to fill. Stir until chilled.
4. Place 3 Cranberry Ice Cubes in a glass, and strain the cocktail over top.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, then sip and enjoy!

Cran x Apple Crimson Velvet Punch

Difficulty: Easy • 10 servings • Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

• 64 oz Ocean Spray® Cran x Apple™ Cranberry Apple Juice Drink
• 1 cup Pomegranate Molasses
• 750ml Prosecco
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 10 sprigs Candied Rosemary

for the Pomegranate Molasses:

• 3 cups pomegranate juice
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

for the Candied Rosemary:

• 2 cups simple syrup
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 10 sprigs rosemary

Directions:

1. To make the Pomegranate Molasses: combine the juices and sugar in a pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and simmer. Stir occasionally for 30 minutes. Continue reducing until the syrup is deep red and reduced by about ⅔, 15 more minutes. Transfer to a jar to cool completely.
2. To make the Candied Rosemary: spread the granulated sugar on a plate. Pour the simple syrup into a jar or tall glass. Dunk each rosemary sprig into the syrup, then place on the sugar and gently coat all sides. Set aside to dry.
3. Add the Ocean Spray® Cran x Apple™ Cranberry Apple Juice Drink, Pomegranate Molasses, Prosecco and vanilla to a large punch bowl, and stir to combine.
4. Garnish with the Candied Rosemary, and serve. Cheers!