Easy Cranberry Lemon Drop Cocktail You’ll Love

If you love a cocktail that’s crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet, the Cranberry Lemon Drop is the one to make. It blends the bright zip of fresh lemon with the jewel-toned tartness of cranberry for a drink that tastes as good as it looks. It’s simple enough for a weeknight wind-down but polished enough for a holiday toast.

With a sugared rim and a shimmering hue, it’s a crowd-pleaser without being fussy. And best of all, it uses easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have.

What Makes This Special

This cocktail is a twist on the classic Lemon Drop, made livelier with cranberry. The cranberry adds color and complexity, turning a simple sour into something more layered and festive.

The balance of tart lemon and sweetened cranberry keeps it refreshing, not cloying. It’s also highly customizable: make it lighter, bolder, sweeter, or more tart depending on your taste.

Because the ingredients are straightforward—vodka, lemon, cranberry, a touch of sweetener—you can count on clean, bright flavors. It shakes up quickly and presents beautifully with a sugared rim and a lemon twist or fresh cranberries.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka (plain or citrus vodka)
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 ounce cranberry juice cocktail or 100% cranberry juice for a tarter drink
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Ice (for shaking)
• Granulated sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Lemon wedge (to wet the rim)
• Garnish: Lemon twist, lemon wheel, or a few fresh cranberries

Optional upgrades: A dash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau), a splash of sparkling water on top, or a pinch of salt to sharpen the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill your glass. Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes.

   A cold glass keeps the cocktail crisp longer.

2. Prepare the rim. Pour a thin layer of sugar onto a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the chilled glass. Dip the rim into the sugar and rotate until evenly coated.

   Tap off any excess.

3. Build the cocktail in a shaker. Add vodka, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill with ice. Add enough ice to nearly fill the shaker. Cold and dilution are key for a smooth, balanced drink.
5. Shake hard for 12–15 seconds. You’re aiming for a frosty shaker and a well-chilled blend. Vigorous shaking integrates the citrus and rounds the edges of the alcohol.
6. Strain into your glass. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want an extra-smooth sip with no ice shards.
7. Garnish. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in.

   Or add a lemon wheel or a few cranberries for color.

8. Taste and adjust. If you prefer sweeter, add a tiny splash of simple syrup and stir gently. If you want more tartness, a few extra drops of lemon will do it.

Storage Instructions

Cocktails are best made fresh, but you can batch this for a party. Mix the vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher without ice.

Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Before serving: Stir the mixture, pour individual servings into an ice-filled shaker, shake, and strain into sugared glasses. Don’t store the finished drink with ice—it will dilute and lose its brightness.

Simple syrup will keep for up to a month in the fridge in a clean, sealed container. Fresh lemon juice tastes best the day it’s squeezed, but you can refrigerate it for up to 48 hours.

Why This is Good for You

• Real citrus perks you up. Fresh lemon juice adds vitamin C and a clean, refreshing flavor that makes the drink feel lighter.
• Cranberry brings balance. Cranberry’s natural tartness reduces the need for heavy sweetness and adds a subtle fruity complexity.
• Controlled sweetness. Using simple syrup lets you tailor sweetness precisely, helping you avoid sugary, canned mixers.

Of course, it’s still a cocktail, so moderation matters.

But if you’re going to enjoy a drink, this one leans bright and clean rather than heavy and syrupy.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Using bottled lemon juice. It often tastes dull or bitter. Fresh-squeezed makes a big difference.
• Too much sweetness. Remember the sugared rim adds sugar. Start with 1/2 ounce simple syrup and adjust to taste.
• Skipping the shake. Stirring won’t incorporate the citrus properly.

  Shaking chills and balances the cocktail.

• Watery results. Don’t let the drink sit in the shaker. Strain immediately after shaking to avoid over-dilution.
• Flat flavors. A small lemon twist expressed over the top can transform the aroma and taste. Don’t skip it.

Recipe Variations

• Spirited Citrus: Swap in citrus vodka for a brighter, more aromatic base.
• Orange-Kissed: Add 1/4 ounce Cointreau or triple sec for a subtle orange note and silkier texture.
• Light and Bubbly: Top with 1–2 ounces chilled sparkling water after straining for a spritz-style sip.
• Herbal Twist: Muddle a small sprig of rosemary or thyme in the shaker before adding liquids, then shake and strain.
• Ginger Edge: Replace some simple syrup with ginger syrup for warmth and spice.
• Zero-Proof: Use nonalcoholic vodka alternative, keep the lemon and cranberry as is, and sweeten to taste.
• Deep Red: Use 100% cranberry juice instead of cranberry cocktail, then increase simple syrup to balance.

FAQ

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

You can, but it changes the character of the drink.

Lime will push it toward a cosmopolitan-meets-daiquiri vibe. If you swap, taste and adjust the syrup since lime can read sharper.

What’s the best vodka for this cocktail?

A clean, mid-range vodka works well. You don’t need a luxury bottle, but avoid harsh bottom-shelf options.

Citrus vodka is great if you want a little extra zest.

How do I make simple syrup?

Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pot. Warm over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely and store in the fridge for up to a month.

Can I make this drink in advance for a party?

Yes.

Mix the base (vodka, lemon, cranberry, syrup) and refrigerate. When guests arrive, shake individual portions with ice and strain. Sugar the rims just before serving.

How do I get a perfect sugar rim?

Use a shallow plate of sugar and a lemon wedge to wet the rim lightly—don’t dunk the whole rim in juice.

Gently roll the edge in sugar and let it set for a minute while you make the drink.

Is cranberry juice cocktail okay to use?

Absolutely. It’s sweeter and easier to balance. If you use 100% cranberry juice, add a bit more simple syrup to keep the drink from being overly tart.

Can I serve it on the rocks instead?

Yes.

Build it in a rocks glass with ice and stir briefly. Expect a bit more dilution over time, but it’s refreshing and easy-drinking.

What garnish pairs best?

A lemon twist is classic. For a holiday look, add a few fresh cranberries.

A tiny rosemary sprig also adds aroma and a pretty touch.

Wrapping Up

The Cranberry Lemon Drop Cocktail is bright, balanced, and surprisingly simple. With fresh lemon, a hit of cranberry, and a crisp sugar rim, it hits that sweet-spot between festive and easy. Keep the ratios in mind, shake it cold, and finish with a twist.

You’ll have a cocktail that’s just as welcome at a cozy night in as it is at a celebration. Cheers to clean flavors and a classic you’ll make again and again.