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This non-alcoholic cranberry holiday beverage is so easy to make and festive looking.

It's ideal to give to the young and old alike, since it contains no alcohol.

Simply choose a festive looking glass, rim it in colored sugar or rimming sugar, add ice , cranberries and soda.

That's all there is to it.

Add a festive looking straw for additional appeal and serve.

In This Article

How I Created This Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Holiday Beverage

I decided to try the new Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash when I saw at the store because it sounded good and was made with real sugar.

Thankfully it did not contain high-fructose corn syrup like many sodas do.

That made me feel pretty good about it.

I wasn't sure about the cranberry flavor, but I thought why not try it.

Since I was unable to find fresh cranberries at the store, I settled for frozen.

There are some advantages to frozen cranberries because they don't go bad as quickly as fresh and they add an extra chill to the drink.

I alternated ice and frozen cranberries in the glass in order to create an interesting and festive look.

Rimming Sugar Is A Must For This Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Holiday Beverage

Another item I could not find was rimming sugar, so I bought decorating sugar - the kind you use on cakes and cookies.

It worked just fine and added that little bit of extra sweetness I truly felt this beverage needed.

In order for the sugar to stick to the rim of the glass, it is important to wet the rim of your glass first.

Next, I added a festive straw made out of paper.

They don't last very long, but they look pretty.

In fact, they aren't even suitable to drink from.

A Non-Alcoholic Beverage Was Important

My goal was to create a festive looking drink that tasted good but was non-alcoholic.

After all, the point of the holidays is to have a good time, not make a fool of yourself and regret or wonder what you did the next day.

I feel like I accomplished my goal with this non-alcoholic cranberry holiday beverage.

I hope you will try this recipe and that you enjoy it.

How to Serve This Cranberry Holiday Drink

A nonalcoholic drink deserves to look just as festive as anything else served at a holiday gathering. I like the idea of using a pretty glass and giving the rim a little attention instead of relying on expensive decorations or elaborate ingredients. The cranberry color already works beautifully for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a simple sugar rim helps make it feel like a special occasion.

Choose glassware that is comfortable to hold and easy to set down without spilling. If you're serving children, use something sturdy rather than fragile stemware. For a crowd, you can arrange clean glasses and prepare the garnish nearby, then assemble drinks as people ask for them instead of leaving a tray of melting ice and diluted punch sitting out all afternoon.

Preparing the Drink for a Holiday Gathering

You can prepare many of the ingredients in advance, depending on the recipe, and keep them chilled until guests arrive. If the beverage uses sparkling ingredients, add those near serving time so they don't lose their fizz. Set up the rimming sugar in a shallow dish and offer an unrimmed option for anyone who prefers a less sweet drink. A small garnish can complete the presentation without needing to buy a collection of specialty supplies.

For a homesteader, homemade drinks are another opportunity to use ingredients that are already on hand. Fruit juices, a suitable homemade syrup, or even a carefully chosen herbal garnish may be available in the pantry or freezer. Use the specific ingredient list below as the starting point rather than substituting blindly, and keep the focus on a beverage that is enjoyable and simple to serve.

If you're serving a crowd at Thanksgiving, I've also collected budget-friendly homemade Thanksgiving drink ideas, including an easy cranberry-apple punch and ways to stretch the drinks you already have on hand.

Questions About This Nonalcoholic Cranberry Beverage

Can I make it before Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner?

Chill the suitable ingredients ahead of time and finish the drink when you plan to serve it. That keeps the presentation fresh, particularly if you are adding ice, fruit or carbonation.

Does every glass need a sugar rim?

No. Prepare a few glasses that way for people who enjoy it and leave others plain. This gives guests a choice without making another drink recipe.

What can I serve alongside the drink?

It pairs nicely with holiday appetizers, turkey or chicken dinners, and a dessert table. For more menu inspiration, see Thanksgiving recipes and decorating ideas. The Tasty Recipe Card below contains the beverage's actual measurements and directions.