Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon superfine or granulated sugar, for the glass rim
- 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, for the rim
- 1 small lemon wedge, for moistening the rim
- 3 fl oz (6 tablespoons) regular sweetened cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
- 1 fl oz (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- 3 fl oz (6 tablespoons) plain unsweetened sparkling water, chilled
- About 1 cup ice, divided between shaker and serving glass
- Optional: thin lemon wheel or twist, fresh rosemary sprig, and 3 to 4 cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the sugar and lemon zest on a small plate. Rub the outside edge of a short glass with the lemon wedge, then dip that edge in the sugar mixture to make a thin rim.
- Add the cranberry juice cocktail and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker or a clean lidded jar with a handful of ice. Shake for 8 to 10 seconds to chill. Do not add carbonated water to a sealed shaker.
- Add fresh ice to the sugar-rimmed serving glass. Strain the cranberry-lemon mixture over the ice.
- Top with 3 fl oz chilled plain sparkling water. Stir once, very gently, to mix without losing much fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, rosemary sprig, or a few rinsed cranberries if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use regular sweetened cranberry juice cocktail for the listed quantities; pure unsweetened cranberry juice is much more tart and needs separate sweetener adjustments.
- The entire 1 teaspoon of rim sugar is conservatively counted in the nutrition estimate even if some remains on the plate.
- Plain seltzer adds no sugar; sweetened soda changes calories and carbohydrates.
- For 8 drinks, mix 3 cups cranberry juice cocktail and 1 cup lemon juice ahead. Add 3 cups sparkling water total at serving, divided 3 fl oz per glass.
- Do not shake carbonated water in a sealed container. Prepare bubbles fresh and serve cold.
- The estimate excludes optional fruit and herb garnishes, as well as any additional syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook / Shaking and Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian