The Ultimate Drunk Reindeer Cocktail
The Drunk Reindeer Cocktail is an easy, fast, and festive holiday drink bursting with merry flavors. Combining vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice, topped with ginger ale, it's a stunning and crowd-pleasing concoction perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Equipment
- Serving Glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Lime Wedge
- Shallow Plate
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- 0.5 oz Orange Liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 0.5 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 2 oz Ginger Ale or Sparkling Soda
- Ice plenty, for shaking and serving
For Garnish
- Fresh cranberries
- a sprig rosemary
- Sugar for the rim
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Glass: Moisten the rim of your serving glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into a shallow plate of sugar to create a frosty, sweet edge.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients: Into your cocktail shaker, add ice, then pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Step 3: Shake It Up: Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a good, vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty to the touch and the mixture is super cold.
- Step 4: Strain and Serve: Remove the lid and strain your perfectly chilled mixture over fresh ice into your prepared sugar-rimmed glass.
- Step 5: Add the Fizz: Gently top off your cocktail with ginger ale or sparkling soda. Pour it slowly to preserve the bubbles.
- Step 6: Garnish with Joy: Float a few fresh cranberries on top and tuck in a fragrant sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make it your own with substitutions: try gin or light rum for vodka, apple cider or pomegranate juice for cranberry, or Grand Marnier for orange liqueur. For fizz, consider cranberry sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish creatively with orange peel, edible glitter, or a candy cane. For best results, use fresh lime juice, chill all liquids, avoid over-shaking (15-20 seconds is ideal), and add fizz just before serving. For parties, pre-mix the base (vodka, cranberry, orange liqueur, lime juice) and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days; add fizz and garnishes when serving. To make a mocktail, omit alcohol, increase cranberry to 1.5 oz and lime juice to 0.75 oz, then top with ginger ale or sparkling water.