Cranberry Mojito: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Mojito

A cranberry mojito is a bright, refreshing take on the classic mojito that adds just enough tartness and color to feel special without being complicated. Made with fresh cranberries, mint, lime, rum, and sparkling water, this cocktail is crisp, balanced, and easy to enjoy any time of year.

Easy cranberry mojito cocktail recipe made with fresh cranberries, mint, lime, and rum.

Whether you’re looking for a lighter rum cocktail, a crowd-pleasing drink for entertaining, or a festive option that isn’t overly sweet, this cranberry mojito fits the bill. It’s refreshing like a traditional mojito, but the cranberry adds depth and a subtle twist that makes it stand out. This is one of those cocktails that feels casual enough for a relaxed evening and polished enough to serve to guests.

Why a Cranberry Mojito Works So Well

The reason this drink works is balance. Cranberries bring a naturally tart flavor that cuts through the sweetness often found in cocktails. Mint adds freshness and aroma, while lime keeps everything bright and clean. White rum ties it all together without overpowering the other ingredients.

Unlike heavier cocktails, a cranberry mojito stays light and refreshing, making it a great choice when you want something flavorful but not filling. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy citrus-forward drinks or classic rum cocktails.

Refreshing cranberry mojito recipe perfect for holiday parties and winter cocktails.

A Mojito Variation That’s Easy to Adapt

One of the best things about a cranberry mojito is how flexible it is. You can make it sweeter or more tart, adjust the mint and lime to taste, or scale it up easily when serving more people.

It works just as well for a single drink as it does for casual entertaining. You can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, then assemble the drinks quickly when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option when you want something fresh without a lot of prep or special equipment.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Cranberry Mojito

This cocktail uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Fresh cranberries provide tartness and color. Fresh mint leaves give the drink its signature mojito aroma. Lime juice adds acidity and brightness. White rum keeps the drink clean and smooth, and a small amount of sugar or simple syrup balances the cranberry and lime.

Club soda finishes the drink, adding lightness and fizz without masking the flavors. A handful of extra cranberries and mint leaves make easy garnishes that also hint at what’s inside the glass.

Easy cranberry mojito drink recipe that works for Christmas, holidays, and year-round entertaining.

How the Flavors Develop as You Drink

This cranberry mojito is especially enjoyable because the flavors continue to evolve. At first sip, you’ll notice the lime and bubbles. As the ice melts, the cranberry becomes more noticeable, and the mint continues to release its aroma. The drink softens slightly over time, becoming smoother and more balanced with each sip. It’s the kind of cocktail you can sip slowly without it becoming flat or overly sweet.

Cranberry Mojito Variations to Try

This recipe is easy to customize depending on your preferences.

  • Cranberry Mojito with Sparkling Cranberry Juice
    Replace club soda with sparkling cranberry juice for a stronger cranberry flavor and slightly sweeter finish.

  • Cranberry Lime Mojito
    Add extra lime juice or a lime wheel garnish for a more citrus-forward drink.

  • Cranberry Mint Mocktail
    Skip the rum and use additional cranberry juice and soda for a refreshing nonalcoholic option.

  • Cranberry Mojito with Aged Rum
    Use a lightly aged rum for a warmer, more rounded flavor while keeping the drink refreshing.

Festive cranberry mojito cocktail recipe with fresh mint, lime, and cranberries over ice.

When to Serve a Cranberry Mojito

This cranberry mojito works well in many situations:

  • Casual get-togethers
  • Dinner parties
  • Brunches or afternoon gatherings
  • Warm-weather evenings
  • Cooler months when you still want a refreshing drink

It pairs well with appetizers, seafood, grilled dishes, and light snacks, making it a versatile cocktail to keep in your rotation year-round.

Cranberry Mojito

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

A refreshing cranberry mojito made with fresh cranberries, mint, lime, and rum. This easy cocktail is bright, balanced, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 fresh cranberries
  • 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar or simple syrup, to taste
  • 2 ounces white rum
  • Ice
  • Club soda

Instructions

  1. Gently muddle the cranberries, mint, lime, and sugar in a glass to release their flavors.
  2. Add the rum and fill the glass with ice.
  3. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries, mint, and a lime wedge.
  5. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 mojito
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1079Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 241gFiber: 31gSugar: 178gProtein: 6g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and measurements.

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If You Love This Cranberry Mojito, Try These Cocktails Too

If you enjoy the bright, fresh flavor of a cranberry mojito, there are plenty of other cocktails with a similar refreshing or festive feel. These drinks are great for entertaining, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want something flavorful without being too heavy.

Fresh, Fruity & Refreshing Cocktails

These drinks highlight fruit-forward flavors and a lighter, more refreshing profile, much like a cranberry mojito.

  • Cranberry Gin Fizz
    Light, bubbly, and slightly tart, this cocktail is perfect if you love cranberry flavors paired with a crisp finish.

Cranberry cocktail with fresh cranberries and rosemary garnish in a tall glass

  • Cranberry Moscow Mule
    A bold yet refreshing option that combines cranberry with ginger beer for a drink that’s both zesty and festive.

  • Apple Cider Mojito
    A seasonal twist on the classic mojito, blending fresh mint and lime with apple cider for a crisp, balanced drink.

  • Easy Pear Hard Cider Recipe
    Light and fruity with a subtle sweetness, this one is ideal if you like simple drinks that don’t feel overly sugary.

Homemade hard pear cider recipe

Sangrias & Party-Friendly Cocktails

These drinks are easy to make for a group and pair beautifully with the bright flavors of cranberry.

  • Cranberry Sangria
    A vibrant, fruit-filled sangria that’s perfect for sharing and works well year-round.

Delicious cranberry sangria served in glasses with orange slices and fresh cranberries

Easy pomegranate apple sangria served in glasses with apple slices and cinnamon, a festive holiday cocktail and Christmas sangria for winter gatherings

Cozy Warm Cocktails

If you are looking for winter cocktails here are some warmer options, perfect for sipping on a cold fall or winter night.

  • Classic Lemon Hot Toddy
    Simple and comforting, this drink is perfect when you want something soothing instead of icy.

  • Hot Buttered Rum
    Rich and warming, it’s a nice contrast to lighter cocktails like a cranberry mojito.

This traditional hot buttered rum recipe is a warming winter cocktail made with dark rum, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A cozy holiday drink that’s perfect for cold nights.

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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