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Cranberry Sunrise is a bright, fizzy mocktail that combines tart cranberry and sweet orange juices with a splash of Sprite for sparkle. This friendly refresher comes together in under five minutes and looks gorgeous in a highball glass — perfect for morning brunches or afternoon pick-me-ups. If you’re planning a spread, pair it with a savory option like a bread bowl with cranberry sauce and thyme to balance the flavors.

Why make this recipe
This easy cranberry-and-orange refresher stands out because it’s:

Fast: Ready in under five minutes with only four ingredients.
Versatile: Works as a mocktail or a base for spirits if you want a boozy version.
Crowd-pleasing: Fruity, fizzy, and colorful — it suits all ages and many occasions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cranberry Sunrise

Ingredients

Cranberry juice
Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda)
Orange juice
Ice

Directions

Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour equal parts cranberry juice and orange juice over the ice (for example, 4 oz cranberry + 4 oz orange).
Top the glass with Sprite to taste — usually 2–3 oz is enough to add fizz without diluting the juices.
Stir gently once to create a soft gradient (don’t overmix if you like the sunrise effect).
Garnish with an orange wheel or a few fresh cranberries, if desired, and serve immediately.

What makes the method simple and reliable
This recipe relies on balance rather than precision: equal parts cranberry and orange juice form a tart-sweet backbone, and a bright splash of Sprite adds effervescence and a hint of lemon-lime sweetness. The result is a layered, eye-catching drink that’s forgiving when scaling up for pitchers — just keep the ratios and finish with soda at serving time to preserve fizz.

Best Way to Store Cranberry Sunrise

Refrigerator: Up to 24 hours at 40°F (4°C) if mixed without Sprite; add soda when serving.
On ice in a pitcher: 2–6 hours (keep covered and replenish ice as needed).
Freezer: Not recommended (carbonation and juice texture degrade).

Notes on storage times and temperature

If you’re preparing components ahead, you can make a cranberry-orange juice blend and chill it in the refrigerator. Add soda only when you’re ready to serve to keep the fizz lively. Mixed with Sprite, the drink will go flat quickly, so serve promptly.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Sunrise

Brunch: Serve in tall Collins or highball glasses alongside egg dishes, pancakes, or a savory tart to cut richness.
Party pitcher: Multiply reagent ratios and hold the juice mixture chilled in a pitcher; add Sprite and ice at the last moment to maintain bubbles.
Garnishes: Orange wheels, twisted orange peel, fresh cranberries, a sprig of mint, or a sugared rim for a festive touch.
Pairings: Sweet breakfast pastries and mildly salty cheeses both work well — the tartness of the drink brightens richer foods.

Tips to make Cranberry Sunrise

Use cold ingredients: Keep juices chilled so you don’t need too much ice, which dilutes flavor.
Balance sweetness: If your cranberry juice is very sweet, increase the proportion of orange juice slightly; if it’s unsweetened, add a touch more Sprite or a teaspoon of simple syrup.
Gentle stir: To preserve the gradient “sunrise” appearance, stir only once or swirl gently after adding Sprite.

Variations and substitutions

Alcoholic twist (comparison-style): Add 1–1.5 oz of vodka or light rum per serving for a simple cocktail; tequila turns it into a spin on a Tequila Sunrise when combined with a float of grenadine.
Herb-infused option (bulleted):
- Mint or rosemary: Muddle a few mint leaves or a small rosemary sprig in the bottom of the glass before adding ice and juices for a fragrant lift.
- Sparkling water swap: Use plain or flavored sparkling water in place of Sprite for less sweetness.

Troubleshooting and extra detail

Too tart? If the drink is too sharp, add a bit more orange juice or a splash of simple syrup (1 tsp at a time).
Flat soda? Pour soda last and serve immediately; if making ahead for a crowd, keep soda cans chilled and open them just before finishing drinks.
Presentation tips: Layer the cranberry and orange juices by pouring the cranberry slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the orange layer for a pronounced gradient before topping with Sprite.

Occasions and menu ideas

Holiday breakfast: The color scheme fits fall and winter breakfasts beautifully; serve alongside spiced muffins, roasted sweet potatoes, or turkey hash.
Baby shower or gender-neutral celebration: It’s nonalcoholic but festive; provide optional mini bottles of spirits on the side for guests who prefer alcohol.
Poolside or picnic: Make a big batch of the chilled juice mixture and bring chilled soda cans; assemble on-site for fresh fizz.

Health and ingredient notes

Natural vitamins: Orange juice brings vitamin C and bright citrus notes; cranberry juice contributes antioxidants and a tart profile.
Sugar considerations: Many commercial cranberry juices are sweetened; choose 100% cranberry juice or a low-sugar option if you prefer less sweetness, and adjust Sprite proportion accordingly.
Alcohol alternatives: For adults wanting a boozy option, vodka or light rum will mix cleanly without altering the fruity character; tequila plus a small splash of grenadine will mimic a classic sunrise cocktail more closely.

FAQ (mixed styles)

Q: Can I make Cranberry Sunrise ahead of time?
A: Yes — prepare and chill the cranberry-orange juice blend up to 24 hours ahead, but add the Sprite and ice just before serving so it stays fizzy.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for children?
A: Absolutely. Served without alcohol, Cranberry Sunrise is a family-friendly mocktail that’s colorful and fun for kids.

Q: What juice ratios work best if I don’t like it too sweet?
A: Try 2 parts cranberry to 3 parts orange, then top with a smaller amount of Sprite. Adjust until the tartness and sweetness feel balanced to you.

How can I make this drink less sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry juice or more orange juice and swap Sprite for a plain sparkling water.

What garnishes are best?
A thin orange wheel, a few floating cranberries, or a sprig of mint are simple and attractive ways to garnish.

Quick FAQ list:
- Q: Can I use other citrus? A: Grapefruit or tangerine juice can substitute for orange but may alter sweetness.
- Q: Can I carbonate it myself? A: If you have a soda siphon, carbonate the finished drink lightly, but be cautious — juices can foam.

Pairing and menu planning suggestions

Breakfast buffet: Arrange a self-serve station with chilled juices and soda, fresh fruit skewers, and mini muffins so guests can customize.
Cocktail hour: Offer Cranberry Sunrise as the nonalcoholic option alongside a signature cocktail; label the mocktail so guests know it’s alcohol-free.
Dessert pairings: Crisp desserts like shortbread, lemon bars, or panna cotta harmonize with the drink’s citrus-laced tartness.

Scaling the recipe for a pitcher

For a 1-liter pitcher: Combine 400 ml cranberry juice + 400 ml orange juice; keep chilled and add 200 ml Sprite at serving time. Stir gently after adding Sprite to preserve some carbonation and the sunrise effect.
For larger gatherings: Prepare multiple chilled juice pitchers and bring out chilled soda by the can or bottle for final assembly to avoid loss of fizz.

Why the Cranberry Sunrise works
This drink succeeds because of contrast: the tart cranberry cuts through orange sweetness, while Sprite adds effervescence and a light citrus lift. The resulting flavor is crisp and refreshing, and visually the layered colors make it instantly appealing. It’s a no-fuss way to elevate simple juices into something that feels celebratory without complex technique.

Storage and leftover ideas

If you do have leftover mixed drink with Sprite and it goes flat, repurpose it as a mixer for cocktails or use it as a base for a granita: pour into a shallow pan, freeze, scraping with a fork every 30 minutes to create a slushy treat.

Creative serving and styling ideas

Rim the glass with sugar or citrus sugar for a decorative touch.
Serve in mason jars for casual events or in crystal highball glasses for a more polished look.
For a festive brunch, float edible flowers or gold-sprayed cranberries for a special occasion.

Final thoughts on prep and hosting
Cranberry Sunrise is the kind of recipe you make when you want something effortless that still feels special. Its short ingredient list and fast prep time mean it’s easy to scale and adapt; the visual appeal is a bonus for hosts who want something pretty but uncomplicated. Keep juices chilled, add soda at the last moment, and offer a couple of simple garnishes — you’ll have a crowd-pleasing drink that complements a wide range of foods.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in a slightly more elaborate take with additional variations and professional tips, the Cranberry Sunrise Recipe offers helpful ideas. For a spirited twist using tequila, see the detailed instructions in the Cranberry Tequila Sunrise Recipe | The Kitchn.

Cranberry Sunrise

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A bright, fizzy mocktail combining tart cranberry and sweet orange juices, topped with Sprite for a refreshing drink perfect for brunch or afternoon enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale

4 oz cranberry juice
4 oz orange juice
2–3 oz Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda)
Ice

Instructions

Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour equal parts cranberry juice and orange juice over the ice.
Top the glass with Sprite to taste.
Stir gently to create a gradient.
Garnish with an orange wheel or fresh cranberries and serve immediately.

Notes

Chill juices before serving to minimize dilution from ice. Add soda last to maintain the fizz.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mocktail, cranberry, orange, brunch, refreshing drink

Cranberry Sunrise

Conclusion