• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Vivacious Life logo

  • Welcome
    • About the vivacious girlโ€ฆ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Welcome
    • About the Vivacious Girlโ€ฆ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Mocktails ยป Cranberry Mocktail and Holiday Dinner Party

    Cranberry Mocktail and Holiday Dinner Party

    Modified: May 7, 2025 ยท Published: Dec 6, 2020 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 27 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This cranberry mocktail is perfect for any holiday or winter gathering! Cranberry sauce, cranberry simple syrup and pomegranate arils come together beautifully in an artful non-alcoholic beverage. Serve it up at your next holiday dinner party for the perfect toast.

    Cranberry mocktail in a champagne flute

    Thank you to Red Apple Lipstick for sponsoring this post.

    I cannot get enough cranberry from November through January! I like to add it to everything from mocktails to desserts and even main dishes!

    Showing you guys how to make the perfect mocktail for anytime of year is one of my favorite things. Whether it’s with our our Thanksgiving mocktails and Christmas mocktailsa or our Halloween mocktails, I love finding ways to bring deliciousย non-alcoholic beverages to your table!

    Like ourย mimosa mocktail, this recipe uses a 0.0%ย non-alcoholic sparkling wine or champagne.ย I prefer Buonafide 0.0 wines as they are traditionally and Italian made.

    However, you could also use non-alcoholic Prosecco which works fabulously!

    Gluten-free pie with pomegranate arils on top

    For this mocktail, we made a delicious homemade cranberry simple syrup (which is SO much easier than you might think and takes only minutes) as well as my husbands grandmas famous cranberry sauce. I love making a batch of it for Thanksgiving and using it to make this mocktail.

    Save the leftover cranberry jam to enjoy with turkey, ham or our cranberry brie savory bread pudding. It’s also great forย making our cranberry Christmas crack and cranberry shortbread lemon trifle.

    How to make a cranberry mocktail

    • Make simple syrup by bringing 1/2 C sugar and 1/2 C water to a boil with 1/2 C fresh cranberries. Let boil 3 minutes then set aside cranberries (great for sugared cranberries) and pour simple syrup into a jar.
    • In a blender, combine the orange, apples, 1 1/2 C fresh strawberries and 1/2 C sugar then place 1 tbsp cranberry sauce in the bottom of 8 champagne flutes, refrigerate remainder of cranberry sauce
    • Add 1/2 tsp. cranberry simple syrup to each cup

      step by step cranberry mocktail collage

      • Add 1 tsp. pomegranate arils
      • Add 0.0% non-alcoholic sparkling wine, brut or champagne pouring slowly as not to overfill
      • Enjoy!

      Pro Tip: Sparkling apple cider works in this recipe as well but it is much sweeter so remove the cranberry simple syrup if using it

      You can also add a splash of these simple syrups in place of the cranberry if you prefer…

      • Raspberry Simple Syrup
      • Rose Simple Syrup
      • Lavender Simple Syrup
      • Blackberry Simple Syrup
      • Strawberry Simple Syrup

      Holiday Dinner Party

      We love a holiday meal! Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a simple breakfast like we did at our sleigh ride brunch, we love sitting around a table and enjoying good food and drinks.

      Keep things simple by draping the table with a green holiday garland. No need for a tablecloth or placemats. The clean look of just the garland and dishes is modern and beautiful.

      Holiday dinner party tablescape

      Allow time in the beginning to enjoy drinks and appetizers. Keep things casual but fun. I recommend just one show topping dessert. You can buy this or make it. We took a leftover Thanksgiving pie and added the pomegranate arils and rosemary for a winter look.

      Girls eating individual charcuterie boards at a table

      Serve up your food with this tasty cranberry mocktail or change it up with our Christmas White Russian mocktail, ginger beer mocktail, or Prosecco drink with pomegranate and cranberries.

      Cranberry mocktail in a glass in a hand

      Holiday Dinner Party Menu

      Start with a delicious individual charcuterie board on each girls plate. They will LOVE this personalized appetizer!

      Individual charcuterie boards

      Next, have some hot fresh gluten-free crescent rolls or gluten-free sourdough bread.

      Gluten-free crescent rolls

      I like to then add a sweet fresh touch with a simple fruit salad topped with pomegranate arils.

      Fruit salad in a bowl with spoon

      Our leftover turkey, cranberry and brie savory bread pudding is a fantastic main course! It is both beautiful and so delicious.

      Savory cranberry, turkey and brie bread pudding in a white dish

      I of course have to have veggies at any meal so this salad is great as well since it doesn’t require you to bake. It goes great with the cranberry mocktail!

      Salad with tortilla strips multicolored in a wood bowl

      Girls Gifts to Give

      I always love having a little gift to give guests. These little Red Apple Lipstick bags filled with my FAVORITE gluten-free makeup are perfect for a girls gathering!

      Gluten-free make up is so important to those with celiac disease because the average woman ingests over 7 pounds of lipstick! Crazy right?!ย 

      It may surprise you but you actually lick your lips quite often and all that gluten in make up can add up. You may be living 100% gluten-free to manage your celiac disease but if what you put on your lips contains gluten, youโ€™re still getting small amounts that could be making you sick or be keeping you from getting better. Thatโ€™s where Red Apple Lipstick helps.ย 

      Two hands holding makeup

      I always tell people, especially those new to living gluten-free, how important it is to choose beauty products that are gluten-free.ย I personally love and use Red Apple Lipstick products every day because they are not only gluten-free but also non-toxic and cruelty free. The pigments in the lipsticks, eyeliners, lip linerโ€™s and eyeshadows are fantastic.

      I love that you donโ€™t sacrifice on the look for having a gluten-free make up brand! While I mostly use their lipstick I also love their shadows. They have a hugeย array of colors and I love their cute little magnetic cases for each.Lipstick tube in a hand with holiday painted nailsHoliday box filled with goodies

      I use the purple eyeliner everyday for an extra POP! I also use their brown eyeliner to fill in my eyebrows. Theyย even have mascara that brings together the whole look.

      Red Apple Lipstick also has a variety of beautiful lip liners as well as a ralleye balm that helps keep the lips soft. I like to apply a thick layer of this right before bed for getting those lips extra silky soft while you sleep.

      To learn more about Red Apple Lipstick productsย head over to their siteย and use my code: TVL for 22% off!

      You can give the cute makeup bags to your gal pals with some of your favorite treats and some holiday cookie cutters for a festive trio. Everyone will love that these gifts are both amazing AND practical!

      Two women smiling, one gifting the other with a small bag Two sets of hands one giving a small bag to the other Five ladies smiling opening gifts

      Individual Charcuterie Boards

      I love making individual charcuterie boards because they are SO CUTE! They are also much more sanitary then sharing a big board, although I love making a gluten-free charcuterie and cheeseboardย or the BEST charcuterie board as well.

      With just a few ingredients you have a WOW factor on each plate when guests arrive. It is perfect for munching on with your cranberry mocktail or gingerbread martini mocktail.

      Start with some cute mini wood boards and layer them with your favorite things. Here’s what we love…

      Individual charcuterie board on a wood slab on a white plate

      Items we included…

      • One Boursin cheese wheel per plate topped with rosemary sprigs for that winter touch
      • Gluten-free crackers
      • Salami or another cured meat
      • Artichoke hearts
      • Olives
      • Honey or honeycomb with a honey stirrer
      • A tiny Christmas tree for a more festive look

      Smiling girl holding a wood tray of chocolate

      For a little sweet charcuterie board, just put your favorite chocolates, toffee, and brittles on an small wood board with a tiny Christmas tree. You can also make our charCOOKuterie board or charcuterie cheese board cookies for a fun treat!

      Holiday tablescape with garland and white plates

      Fancy Farmhouse Holiday Decor

      My sisters house is decorated so cute for the holidays! She has lots of white and natural wood tones with a few metals that make it the perfect fancy farmhouse holiday set up. Here are some ideas…

      • Metal deer by driftwood
      • Wood and glass trees with a modern green candle
      • White beaded stockings hung on antlers
      • Gold deer with mini Magnolia tree
      • Green bottle brush Christmas trees
      • White farm struck with sparkly snowballs in a basketFancy farmhouse holiday decor collage

      If you love this mocktail, be sure to check these out as well…

      Non-Alcoholic Bloody Mary Mocktail

      Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic

      Non-Alcoholic Vodka and Dirty Martini Mocktail

      Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
      Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

      NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

      Cranberry Mocktail & Holiday Dinner Party

      Cranberry mocktail
      4.75 from 4 votes
      This cranberry mocktail is perfect for any holiday or winter gathering! Cranberry sauce, cranberry simple syrup and pomegranate arils come together beautifully in an artful non-alcoholic beverage. Serve it up at your next holiday dinner party for the perfect toast.
      PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
      Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
      Total Time: 10 minutes mins
      Course: Drinks, Mocktails
      Cuisine: American
      Keyword: cranberry, mocktail
      Servings: 8 glasses
      Calories: 139kcal
      Author: Chandice Probst

      Ingredients

      • 1 apple, cut into 4 large slices and cored
      • 1 orange, peeled
      • 2 C fresh cranberries, divided
      • 1/2 C sugar
      • 4 tsp cranberry simple syrup, divided
      • 8 tsp pomegranate arils, divided
      • 1 bottle 0.0% non-aloholic brut, champagne or sparkling wine (sparkling apple cider works too but it will be much sweeter)
      • rosemary sprigs (optional)

      Instructions

      • Make simple syrup by bringing 1/2 C sugar and 1/2 C water to a boil with 1/2 C fresh cranberries. Let boil 3 minutes then set aside cranberries (great for sugared cranberries) and pour simple syrup into a jar.
      • In a blender, combine the orange, apples, 1 1/2 C fresh cranberries and 1/2 C sugar
      • Place 1 tbsp cranberry sauce in the bottom of 8 champagne flutes, refrigerate remainder of cranberry sauce
      • Add 1/2 tsp. cranberry simple syrup to each cup
      • Add 1 tsp. pomegranate arils
      • Add 0.0% non-alcoholic sparkling wine, brut or champagne pouring slowly as not to overfill

      Notes

      Pro Tip: Sparkling apple cider works in this recipe as well but it is much sweeter so remove the cranberry simple syrup if using it
      Pro Tip: Save the leftover cranberry jam to enjoy with turkey, ham or our cranberry brie savory bread pudding. It's also great forย making our cranberry Christmas crack and cranberry shortbread lemon trifle.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

      Share:

      Chandice of This Vivacious Life

      Hi, I'm Chandice!

      Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

      FREEBIES

      Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

       

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Dynal Roberson says

        December 31, 2020 at 6:06 pm

        This recipe looks easy to create and delicious!

        Reply
      2. Karol says

        December 30, 2020 at 9:34 am

        It’s gorgeous, and I love how natural all the ingredients are.

        Reply
      3. Carolyn says

        December 29, 2020 at 10:11 pm

        I like how easy the recipe is

        Reply
        • Tera says

          November 22, 2021 at 3:28 am

          5 stars
          LOVE this recipe at the holidays!! I’m looking it up yet again to make for a holiday party!!

          Reply
          • Chandice says

            November 22, 2021 at 6:38 pm

            Awww thanks, I am so glad you loved it last year and came back again! ๐Ÿ™‚ Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksgiving!

      4. Stefanie says

        December 29, 2020 at 8:39 pm

        4 stars
        I love the flavor combination and how pretty it is!

        Reply
      5. Theresa says

        December 29, 2020 at 6:15 pm

        I love the crisp tartness of cranberries! Extra points for it being non-alcoholic!

        Reply
      6. Kate Renee says

        December 25, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        I’d enjoy the pomegranate and the gorgeous presentation of this drink.

        Reply
      7. John Smith says

        December 20, 2020 at 1:56 am

        Very flavorful!

        Reply
      8. carol clark says

        December 12, 2020 at 4:41 pm

        love the apple well i love it all really

        Reply
      9. April says

        December 10, 2020 at 2:46 am

        I love the combination of flavors and the beautiful color!

        Reply
      10. Paula Decaria says

        December 08, 2020 at 3:57 pm

        I love the pomegranate/cranberry flavor combination!

        Reply
      11. TEB says

        December 08, 2020 at 7:28 am

        Cranberries, cool cool, apple base, i’m down for that.. pomegranate arils?! Sold!

        Reply
      12. Julie says

        December 07, 2020 at 2:25 pm

        Love how pretty this drink looks!!

        Reply
      13. Georgiana says

        December 07, 2020 at 1:48 am

        Cranberries would delicious in this.

        Reply
      14. Kelly D says

        December 06, 2020 at 9:48 pm

        I like the cranberry simple syrup in this recipe, sounds delicious.

        Reply
      15. Linda says

        December 06, 2020 at 9:07 pm

        It’s very pretty and appealing.

        Reply
      16. Ray says

        December 06, 2020 at 8:52 pm

        I like the red color of the drink.

        Reply
      17. Elle says

        December 06, 2020 at 4:59 pm

        The pomegranate!

        Reply
      18. Maryann D. says

        December 06, 2020 at 1:35 pm

        5 stars
        Cranberry Mocktail seems so festive to try. A perfect treat for the holidays!

        Reply
        • Chandice says

          December 10, 2020 at 8:45 pm

          Thanks Maryann, it is definitely a festive drink ๐Ÿ™‚

          Reply
      19. Patricia E says

        December 06, 2020 at 1:22 pm

        i like that this simple recipe can be so fancy.

        Reply
      20. Renata says

        December 06, 2020 at 12:07 pm

        I love the combination of the fruit added for a lovely sweet taste and beautiful red color!

        Reply
      Newer Comments »
      4.75 from 4 votes

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      Primary Sidebar

      Chandice of This Vivacious Life

      Hi there, Iโ€™m Chandice!

      I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

      Read More

      • Email
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Twitter

      Seasonal Recipes & Entertaining

      Gluten Free Soft Pretzels on parchment paper square image

      Easy Gluten Free Soft Pretzels (Bites Option Too)

      Gluten Free Bagels all next to each other some with seeds

      Homemade Gluten Free Bagels (Chewy NYC Style)

      Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders on a marble plate

      Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders

      Featured Posts

      Plate of golden brown gluten-free crescent rolls

      Flaky, Buttery Gluten Free Crescent Rolls (That defy gluten free gravity!)

      Grazing Table on butcher paper

      30-Minute Grazing Table for 40!

      Easy Tater Tot Casserole on a spoon

      Easy Tater Tot Casserole (Grandma’s Recipe)

      Single cinnamon roll sitting on a speckled plate, slathered in cream cheese frosting and a bite taken out to show the soft texture.

      Homemade, Fluffy Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

      gluten free ramen in a white bowl with egg on top and seasoning

      8-Minute Gluten Free Ramen (Just like you remember!)

      Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in a bowl

      20-Minute Creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese (in the Instant Pot)

      Footer

      As seen on

      Footer

      โ†‘ back to top

      About

      • About Me
      • Privacy Policy

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates
      • Check out my web stories

      Contact

      • Contact

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright ยฉ 2022 This Vivacious Life

      Rate This Recipe

      Your vote:




      A rating is required
      A name is required
      An email is required

      Recipe Ratings without Comment

      Something went wrong. Please try again.