Cranberry Amaretto Cocktails are perfect for the holiday season. With flavors of cranberry, orange and almond this delicious cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Christmas is the perfect time for awesome cocktails. Boozy egg nog, Cranberry Vodka Punch, Cranberry Moscow Mules, Mulled Wine…you know the list. These cranberry amaretto cocktails are a perfect fit with sweet and tart flavors in holiday colors.
It’s a simple cocktail recipe for the perfect festive cocktail. And the great news? You really can enjoy it any time of year.
Recipe Ingredients Notes
- Cranberry Juice Cocktail. Sweetened cranberry juice gives this cranberry cocktail a vibrant color and flavor. Be sure not to use regular unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Amaretto liqueur. This is a sweet Italian liqueur whose name translates to mean “slightly bitter”. It has a light flavor of almond and is crafted from peach stones, apricot kernels, regular almonds or bitter almonds depending on the brand. It originate from Saronno Italy hence the name of the most well known brand Disarrano. Any brand will work for this festive drink.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice. This gives a splash of sweet citrus. Freshly squeezed orange juice really does make a flavor difference!
- Fresh cranberries. Optional garnish.
- Rimming sugar. This is optional to rim the glass for a festive look. For a holiday look green rimming sugar is a great choice.
How to make it
STEP 1. Rim the glass (optional step)
- Place rimming sugar on a small flat plate deep enough to form a rim of salt on the glass when dipped.
- Dip a clean thumb and forefinger (same hand) into juice, gently pinch together and run around the rim of the glass. Alternatively slid a wedge of the orange used for juicing around the glass rim.
- Turn the glass upside down in the sugar and twist the glass back and forth to allow the sugar to adhere to the moisture on the glass.
- Gently lift out of the salt and allow to sit for a few minutes for the salt to dry on the glass.
STEP 2. Make the cocktail
Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
STEP 3. Garnish and serve
Add some fresh cranberries to each cocktail and serve immediately.
Variation
To make a Cranberry Kiss Cocktail: add 1 ounce of vodka to the cocktail.
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Recipe
Cranberry Amaretto Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 ounce amaretto liqueur
- 1 ounce orange juice freshly squeezed recommended
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries optional for garnish
- rimming sugar for rimming glasses optional
Instructions
Rimming the cocktail glass (optional)
- Place rimming sugar on a small flat plate deep enough to form a rim of sugar on the glass when dipped.rimming sugar for rimming glasses
- Dip a clean thumb and forefinger (same hand) into juice, gently pinch together and run around the rim of the glass. Alternatively slide a wedge of the orange used for juicing around the glass rim.
- Turn the glass upside down in the sugar and twist the glass back and forth to allow the sugar to adhere to the moisture on the glass.
- Gently lift out of the salt and allow to sit for a few minutes for the salt to dry on the glass.
Making the cocktail
- Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a glass with fresh ice.2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail, 1 ounce amaretto liqueur, 1 ounce orange juice, Ice
- Add some fresh cranberries to each cocktail and serve immediately.Fresh cranberries
Shar says
This is so easy and vibrant! My guests loved this cocktail. A must-try!
Gigi says
This is so good! Tried making this one night. I love the combination of cranberry and orange. Cant wait to serve it during the holidays. Thanks for the rimming tip.
Pat says
Served this at our Christmas party last weekend and it was a hit! Such a fun change from the normal holiday drinks. Love the rim tip. They look so festive.
Andrea says
Oh yum! This cocktail is refreshing and festive. My crew loved it.
Beth says
This couldn’t be more perfect for the holidays. From the flavors to the colors, every part of this cocktail is both holly and jolly. Love it.
Jessica says
YUM!! Each Christmas I pick a drink to have all season long so I can keep things easy. THIS is the one I’m drinking all season. It’s delicious, thank you!
Shweta says
WOW so delicious! Tested this yesterday to make for our Christmas gathering and can’t wait!
Chynna L Dehoyos says
This recipe is wonderful! I love it, and I make it every time someone comes over.