If ever there were a year when everyone needed an easy way to get into a better mood, 2020 is that year. Sipping one of these Cranberry Spritzers ought to do the trick.

Great for Groups

These Cranberry Spritzers are the perfect family friendly beverage for any holiday gathering. No matter the size of the group, everyone will love these sparkling, bright drinks. They are sure to lighten the mood and to put the crowd into a festive spirit. 

Scale Up or Down

As written, the recipe will yield around two dozen servings. For a smaller group, simply scale down the ingredients. Using smaller bottles of Sprite and of the juices will avoid waste if your gathering is more intimate.

Fresh Is Best

For the freshest, brightest flavors, use cranberry juice instead of cranberry cocktail. Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a big difference, as well. If you’re using fresh oranges, substitute sliced orange segments for the mandarin oranges. 

Take Care with the Cranberries

Be sure to sort your cranberries. Fresh cranberries will bounce. Discard any discolored or bruised cranberries before rinsing them thoroughly.

Ingredients

• 2 liter Sprite, chilled
• 6 cups cranberry juice
• 3 cups pineapple juice
• 1 ½ cups orange juice
• fresh cranberries
• mandarin orange slices, drained
• crushed ice

Equipment

• large pitcher
• serving glasses
• punch bowl (optional)

Directions

In a large pitcher, mix the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice. If possible, allow to chill in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors will meld overnight.

When you are ready to serve, add crushed ice to the glasses. In each glass, place 3-4 cranberries and 2-3 mandarin orange slices. 

Stir the chilled juices. Fill each glass slightly more than half-way with the mixed juices.

Fill each glass the rest of the way with the chilled Sprite. Stir gently to mix the Cranberry Spritzer.

Punch Bowl Option

If you have a large enough punch bowl, the Cranberry Spritzers can be mixed in it. Follow the same procedure, but add the juices to the punch bowl, then add the Sprite. Stir gently. Serve in the prepared glasses with cranberries and mandarin orange slices.