Vodka Spritzer with Homemade Cranberry Syrup

A cranberry vodka spritzer is a festive holiday cocktail that’s ideal for entertaining or enjoying quietly at home. The vivid color comes from a smooth cranberry syrup made from cranberry relish or sauce, and a splash of club soda adds light, delicate bubbles. This drink is a tasty way to use leftover cranberry sauce after a holiday meal and can easily be adapted with fresh juices or flavored vodkas for year-round enjoyment.

Note: This post includes personal recommendations and links to recipes that inspired my cranberry syrup. I may receive a small commission if you follow certain links, which helps support the blog.

Why This Vodka Spritzer Recipe Is The Best!

This simple cranberry vodka spritzer balances bright, tart cranberry with a touch of orange and a clean vodka base. It’s light, refreshing and not overly sweet—exactly what you want after a big holiday meal. Because it uses cranberry syrup rather than canned soda or sweetened mixers, you control the sweetness and texture. The recipe is quick to make, requires just a few ingredients, and scales easily for a crowd.

• Simple, four-ingredient cocktail that’s quick to prepare and visually festive.

Key Ingredients

Although spritzers are often associated with white wine and summer cocktails, this vodka-based version is perfect for the holidays. Keep cranberries or cranberry sauce on hand, or substitute with a berry syrup or fresh fruit juice when cranberries are out of season.

Cranberry sauce or relish – Use leftover sauce from your holiday meal or make a simple cranberry-orange relish. When blended and strained, it becomes a silky syrup that mixes beautifully with vodka.

Vodka – Choose a vodka you enjoy. Unflavored vodka keeps the drink crisp, while orange- or citrus-flavored vodka can add depth without extra steps.

Orange – Slices or twists of orange complement the cranberries. Lemon or lime can be used instead if you prefer a tarter finish.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have cranberry sauce, cranberry juice or a berry syrup works well. For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit and keep the cranberry syrup and soda. You can also experiment with flavored vodkas, a splash of sparkling wine instead of club soda, or additional citrus zest for a brighter aroma.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by making the cranberry syrup. Combine one cup cranberry relish or sauce with one cup water in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. Add a little extra water if the mixture is too thick to blend smoothly.

Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve, using a spoon to press the puree through. This removes peel and any larger pieces, leaving a silky syrup. Discard the remaining pulp or use it in baking or as a garnish component.

To assemble the spritzers, add 2 ounces cranberry syrup and 3 ounces vodka per two-servings to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. If you don’t have a shaker, use a mason jar with a tight lid and shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Divide ice among two glasses, pour the vodka-cranberry mixture evenly between them, then top with club soda to taste. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, or an orange twist.

If you try this cranberry vodka spritzer, leave a comment and share a photo — it’s always fun to see how others style and serve the drink.

Looking For Other Cocktail Recipes? Try These

Skinny Frozen Watermelon Margarita (4 ingredients)

Strawberry Tangerine Rosé Sangria

Peach Moscato Mojito

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail (Virgin)

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