Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma

Name: Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cranberry juice; 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice; 1/4 cup tequila; 1 tablespoon agave syrup (optional); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; Ice cubes; Fresh cranberries and grapefruit slices for garnish

Highlighted under: Celebratory Feast Recipes

This festive cocktail combines the tartness of cranberry with the refreshing flavor of grapefruit, spiced with warm notes that make it perfect for the holiday season.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-08T19:21:29.308Z

This Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma brings a twist to the traditional Paloma cocktail. The addition of cranberry juice and warm spices creates a drink that is not only refreshing but also full of festive cheer. Perfect for holiday gatherings or to enjoy by the fire!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors
The warming spices add a cozy touch
Visually stunning and perfect for holiday gatherings

      

The Perfect Holiday Drink

The Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma is not just a drink; it’s an experience that captures the essence of the festive season. Combining the tartness of cranberry with the refreshing zing of grapefruit, this cocktail is designed to invigorate your holiday gatherings. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will have your guests reaching for their glasses as they indulge in the flavors of winter.

This cocktail is incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner, a lively holiday party, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, the Spiced Cranberry Paloma fits right in. Its delightful combination of flavors makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, ensuring that it will be a hit with everyone in attendance.

Spice It Up

The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger elevates this cocktail from a simple drink to a festive treat. These spices not only add depth and complexity but also evoke the comforting scents of holiday baking. The warmth from the spices creates a cozy atmosphere, making this cocktail the perfect companion for chilly winter nights.

Moreover, the spices in this cocktail bring health benefits as well. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties, while ginger adds a zing that can aid digestion. So not only are you treating yourself to a delicious drink, but you're also indulging in something that can be a little kinder to your body during the indulgent holiday season.

Garnishing for Impact

Garnishing your Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma with fresh cranberries and grapefruit slices not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the drinking experience by providing bursts of freshness and a pop of color, making your cocktail look as good as it tastes.

Consider serving your cocktails in festive glasses to further enhance the holiday spirit. Whether you use classic stemware or fun holiday-themed cups, the presentation will impress your guests and set an inviting tone for the celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cocktail

1 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 cup tequila
1 tablespoon agave syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Ice cubes
Fresh cranberries and grapefruit slices for garnish

Mixing these ingredients together creates a festive drink that everyone will love!

Instructions

Prepare the Glasses

Rim the glasses with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for an added festive touch.

Mix the Ingredients

In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, tequila, agave syrup, cinnamon, and ginger. Shake well.

Serve the Cocktail

Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes and strain the cocktail mixture over the ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries and grapefruit slices.

Enjoy your Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma!

Tips for the Best Cocktail

To ensure your Spiced Cranberry Paloma is as delicious as possible, consider using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. The difference in flavor compared to bottled juice is remarkable, providing a vibrant and zesty kick that complements the tart cranberry juice beautifully. Fresh juices are also a healthier choice.

If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, feel free to adjust the amount of agave syrup based on your taste. A little sweetness can go a long way in balancing the tartness of the cranberry and grapefruit, creating a harmonious drink that suits your palate perfectly.

Make It Ahead

One of the best aspects of the Holiday Cocktail Spiced Cranberry Paloma is that it can be prepped in advance. Mix the cocktail ingredients ahead of time (excluding the ice) and store them in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply pour over ice and garnish. This makes it a great option for busy hosts who want to enjoy the festivities without spending all their time in the kitchen.

You can also create a large batch in a pitcher to serve a crowd easily. This allows you to keep the party moving while ensuring that everyone has a refreshing drink in hand. Just remember to keep the garnishes ready to add that special touch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cocktail in advance?

It's best to mix the ingredients just before serving to ensure freshness, but you can prepare the juice mixture ahead of time.

→ What can I use instead of tequila?

You can substitute tequila with vodka or use sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less agave syrup according to your taste.

→ Is this cocktail suitable for a large gathering?

Absolutely! You can easily scale up the recipe by multiplying the ingredients for a larger batch.