Cranberry Lime Mocktail Recipe (Festive and Kid-Friendly)

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This refreshing Cranberry Lime Mocktail is a fizzy, festive non-alcoholic drink perfect for holidays, family gatherings, pregnancy-safe celebrations and kid-friendly parties. Naturally sweet, tangy and customizable!

When you’re craving a drink that’s festive, fizzy, and family-friendly, this Cranberry Lime Mocktail is a go-to favorite. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make and flexible enough to please kids, teens, pregnant moms, and anyone looking to avoid alcohol without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, a baby shower, or just want a beautiful non-alcoholic drink that looks as good as it tastes, this mocktail checks every box.

And yes—it’s a total showstopper on your holiday or summer drink table!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Lime Mocktail

• Non-alcoholic & Pregnancy-friendly– Safe and satisfying for expectant moms, kids and non-drinkers alike.
• Perfect for Any Season– A must-have during the winter holidays (hello cranberry!) but equally refreshing in summer thanks to the zingy lime and sparkling fizz.
• Simple to Customize – Adjust the sweetness, swap the juice, or add fresh herbs to create your ideal balance of tart and sweet.
• Kid-Approved – It feels like a “fancy drink” without the alcohol, making it a fun treat for little ones at special meals.

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Ingredients You’ll Need to Make a Cranberry Lime Mocktail

Here’s everything you need to make two servings of this vibrant drink (scroll down for the full recipe card with all of the measurements):

• Cranberry juice – opt for 100% juice or a cranberry blend depending on your preference.
• Carbonated water – club soda, sparkling water, or even a flavored seltzer work well.
• Simple syrup – you can make this at home with sugar and water (see below) or use agave syrup.
• Juice of 1–2 limes – fresh is best, but bottled will also work.
• Ice cubes

Optional garnishes:

• Fresh cranberries
• Lime slices or wedges
• Fresh mint leaves

How to Make a Cranberry Lime Mocktail

Step 1: Prepare Your Glasses. Start by filling each glass halfway with ice. This helps keep your mocktail nice and cold from the very first sip.

Step 2: Mix the Base. In a small pitcher or mixing glass, combine the cranberry juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Stir well to blend the flavors.

Tip: If you’re unsure how sweet you want it, start with 2 tablespoons of syrup and taste-test from there.

Step 3: Add the Bubbles. Just before serving, gently pour in 1/2 cup of carbonated water. Stir gently to preserve the fizz.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Pour the mixture into two glasses and top with garnishes like a few fresh cranberries, a lime wheel on the rim or a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green (and fresh, minty aroma).

Serve immediately and enjoy your beautifully bubbly Cranberry Lime Mocktail!

How to Make Simple Syrup (If You Don’t Have It On Hand)

Homemade simple syrup is incredibly easy and only takes about 5 minutes. You can use this sweetener for a variety of drinks!

To make it, you’ll need 1:1 sugar and water. I recommend starting with 1/2 cup of each.

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved (do not boil).

Let it cool before using. Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Tips & Variations on this Cranberry Lime Mocktail

This festive beverage is great the way it is, but also easy to tweak for some fun variations, like:

• Make it a slushy: Blend the cranberry-lime mixture with ice for a frozen treat.
• Herbal twist: Muddle some mint or basil leaves in the glass before adding the liquid for a refreshing herbal layer.
• Less sweet: Use less simple syrup or swap it for a splash of unsweetened white grape juice.
• More citrusy: Add a splash of orange or grapefruit juice.
• Extra flavor: Try a flavored sparkling water like lime or cranberry.
• Make it alcoholic: Vodka is a great spirit for this if you want to add an alcoholic option to your party.
• Batch prep for parties: Multiply the ingredients and mix everything (except the soda) in a pitcher. Add soda just before serving to keep the bubbles strong. If you’re making a batch ahead of time, store the base mixture without the soda. Add soda only when you’re ready to serve to preserve the bubbles.

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Mocktails are Perfect for Special Occasions

We love adding a mocktail option during special occasions for our children as well as guests who don’t drink. Here are a few more mocktails you might love, too:

• Apple Cider Ginger Mocktail (Cozy, Spiced and Seasonal)
• Mint Summer Berry Mocktail (Alcohol-Free and Family-Friendly)

This cranberry lime mocktail is especially loved during:

• Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners: The cranberry and lime combo feels festive and elegant.
• Valentine’s Day: Add a sugared rim and heart-shaped ice cubes for a fun twist and serve it alongside Valentines Cake Pops or as part of a special Valentines Day breakfast for your kids.
• Baby showers & brunches: This is an ideal pregnancy-safe option to serve alongside bubbly and juice.
• Summer BBQs: Refreshing enough for hot days, and easy to make in big batches. Tastes great with Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Kebobs!

This Cranberry Lime Mocktail is more than just a drink—it’s like a celebration in a glass! It’s everything you want in a non-alcoholic beverage: gorgeous to look at, refreshing to drink, and easy to make.

Whether you’re toasting a milestone, enjoying a quiet moment on the porch, or serving a crowd, this mocktail is a joyful addition to any table. I hope you and your family love it!

📌 Pin This Recipe for Later
Want to save this for your next party or family night? Pin it to your Mocktail Recipes, Kid-Friendly Drinks, or Pregnancy-Safe Recipes board on Pinterest!