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Amaretto Cranberry Kiss Mocktail — A Festive Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drink for Eight

Every holiday table needs a signature drink — something sparkling, sweet, and full of cheer. The Amaretto Cranberry Kiss has long been a favorite winter cocktail, but this version turns it into a non-alcoholic mocktail that everyone can enjoy. It’s made with cranberry juice, orange juice, almond extract, and a touch of sparkle, creating a balanced blend of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors. This mocktail serves eight, making it the perfect centerpiece for Christmas brunch, Thanksgiving dinner, or New Year’s Eve gatherings. Bright red, bubbly, and beautiful, it’s like the holidays poured into a glass — elegant enough for guests and simple enough for everyday celebrations.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 glasses
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍊 Juices & Base
  • 4 cups cranberry juice 100% pure, unsweetened or lightly sweetened
  • 2 cups orange juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • 1 cup pineapple juice for a tropical holiday sweetness
🌰 Flavor Enhancer
  • 1 tsp pure almond extract this replaces amaretto’s signature nutty flavor
🍯 Sweetness & Balance
  • 2 –3 tbsp maple syrup or honey adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness
💧 Bubbles
  • 2 cups sparkling water or club soda added right before serving
❄️ To Serve
  • Ice cubes
🍒 Garnish
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Orange slices
  • Rosemary sprigs
  • Optional sugar rim mix sugar + orange zest for a festive touch

Equipment

  • Large pitcher or beverage dispenser
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stirring spoon or whisk
  • Citrus juicer
  • Serving glasses (rocks, martini, or flute)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: cocktail shaker (for individual servings)

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Glasses
  1. If you’d like a festive rim, rub an orange wedge around each glass edge and dip it in a mixture of sugar and orange zest. Set aside.
Step 2 – Combine the Juices
  1. In a large pitcher, mix cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3 – Add Flavor and Sweetness
  1. Stir in almond extract, lime juice, and maple syrup. Mix well to fully blend the flavors.
Step 4 – Chill the Mixture
  1. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop and the drink get cold.
Step 5 – Add Bubbles
  1. Just before serving, pour in sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish. Stir gently to preserve carbonation.
Step 6 – Serve and Garnish
  1. Fill each glass with ice cubes, pour the mocktail mixture over, and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store the juice base (without sparkling water) in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and add sparkling water before serving.
Reheating: Not applicable — this drink is best served chilled.
🥄 Variations
Sparkling Almond Punch: Replace club soda with sparkling apple cider for a holiday punch twist.
Frosted Cranberry Version: Blend the mocktail with ice for a frozen slushie-style drink.
Vanilla Cranberry Kiss: Add a drop of vanilla extract for warmth and depth.
Tropical Twist: Swap pineapple juice for mango or passion fruit juice.
Spiced Holiday Version: Add a cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground nutmeg to the pitcher for cozy winter flavor.
Kid-Friendly Party Punch: Add lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling water for extra sweetness.
Winter Berry Kiss: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or pomegranate arils for festive color.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — mix all juices, almond extract, and sweetener ahead, and add the sparkling water just before serving.
2. Can kids drink this?
Absolutely! It’s completely alcohol-free and fun for all ages.
3. What does the almond extract do?
It mimics amaretto’s rich, nutty flavor — just a few drops give the drink its signature taste.
4. Can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry juice and reduce maple syrup to 1 tablespoon.
5. Can I serve it warm?
You can, but it’s best cold and sparkling. Warm versions lose the fizz.
6. What’s the best juice ratio?
Cranberry should be the main flavor (around half the mix) for a balanced tart-sweet profile.
7. How do I keep it bubbly for longer?
Add sparkling water right before serving and avoid stirring too much.
8. What’s a good holiday garnish?
A rosemary sprig, orange slice, and floating cranberries make it look like Christmas in a glass.
9. Can I use almond syrup instead of extract?
Yes, but use less — almond syrup is sweeter and more concentrated.
10. Can I make a single serving?
Yes — use ½ cup cranberry juice, ¼ cup orange juice, 2 tbsp pineapple juice, a few drops of almond extract, and top with sparkling water.
🏁 Conclusion
This Amaretto Cranberry Kiss Mocktail is pure holiday perfection — fruity, fizzy, and beautifully balanced with a subtle almond aroma that feels indulgent without the alcohol.
It’s easy to make in big batches, looks stunning on your table, and pairs beautifully with holiday desserts, appetizers, and roasts.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas brunch or Thanksgiving dinner, this cheerful red mocktail will make everyone feel included in the toast. Raise your glass — to flavor, family, and festive fun!