This Cranberry Smash Recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and turn it into a delicious holiday cocktail.
Made with tequila, citrus, cranberry sauce, and bitters, it delivers a bright, balanced sweetness.
This cranberry cocktail is easy to make and ready to sip on in minutes with just a few ingredients.
Cranberry Smash Recipe
‘Tis the season for all things cranberry!
Here’s a unique way to use up your leftover cranberry sauce: our Cranberry Sauce Smash, featuring the bright citrus notes of Teremana Tequila Blanco.
With hints of roasted agave and lemongrass, Teremana brings a smooth, textured taste – the perfect holiday refresh to enjoy all season long!
This holiday cocktail is perfect to serve at an upcoming holiday happy hour, Christmas dinner, or just when you’re in the mood for something cranberry without a lot of fuss!
More Smash Recipes:
What You Will Need:
Tequila. This is the backbone of the cocktail. A blanco keeps things bright and clean, letting the cranberry shine, while a reposado adds comforting warmth and festive things. You can use either one for this cocktail.
Cranberry Sauce. The sauce adds a tart-sweet depth, natural fruitiness, and that vibrant holiday color.
Orange Juice. A small splash of 100% orange juice awakens the flavors. The citrus cuts through the cranberry and tequila, pulling the whole drink into harmony. Without it, the cocktail might feel unbalanced, so it’s key to achieving a satisfying sip.
Simple Syrup. This is your sweetness control. Depending on how sugary your cranberry sauce is, you may need the full amount or none at all.
Citrus Bitters. A couple of dashes boost the brightness and add complexity. Think of it as the “seasoning” for your cocktail; a tiny amount, big payoff.
Ice. Ice is what breaks down the cranberry sauce as you shake, giving the drink its silky texture. Fresh ice in the glass keeps things cold without watering down the party.
Rosemary or Sage (Garnish). Your final flourish. These herbs add an aromatic, wintry note and make the cocktail look intentionally festive.
How To Make A Cranberry Sauce Smash
1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz tequila
- 1 oz of leftover cranberry sauce
- ½ oz orange juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes of citrus bitters
- Ice
Directions:
- Add ice, 1 ½ oz of tequila, 1 oz of leftover cranberry sauce, ½ oz of orange juice, and 2 dashes of citrus bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or sage.
- Serve.
What Type of Tequila Works Best?
A good blanco tequila keeps the drink bright and crisp, while a reposado adds warm, subtle caramel notes.
Both options let you match your mood, giving you confidence in customizing your cocktail.
Can I Use Any Cranberry Sauce?
Yes. Homemade, whole berry, or jellied cranberry sauce all work.
Feel free to use our recipe or store-bought options-your choice lets you tailor the sweetness to your taste.
Do I Need to Strain Out the Cranberry Solids?
Shaking breaks down the cranberry sauce, but it won’t disappear completely.
If you prefer a smoother sip, double-strain through a fine mesh strainer.
The cranberry sauce will not fully dissolve, but a good shake will help break it down.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If your cranberry sauce is already sweet, reduce or skip the simple syrup.
For tart sauces, keep the full amount or add a touch more, adjusting sweetness as needed.
Can I Make This as a Batch Cocktail?
Yes, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want, stir everything in a pitcher, and chill until ready to serve.
For serving, shake individual portions with ice to achieve the best texture and temperature.
Can I Make This A Mocktail?
Yes, swap the tequila for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic tequila.
Try these options for a non-alcoholic tequila alternative:
- Lyre’s Tequila Alternative
- Trejo’s Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
- Free Spirits – Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
- RITUAL ZERO PROOF Agave Spirit Alternative
What If I Don’t Have Citrus Bitters?
Orange bitters work. Aromatic bitters will do in a pinch.
The drink won’t fall apart without them, but the bitters add brightness.
Can I Use a Different Spirit?
Absolutely. Vodka keeps it neutral, bourbon adds warmth, and gin adds botanical notes.
How Strong Is This Cocktail?
It’s a holiday sipper with a kick.
The cranberry sauce softens the edges, but you’ll still taste the tequila.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
You can mix everything except the ice ahead of time and refrigerate it.
Shake before serving for the right chilled, blended finish.
More Cranberry Recipes:
Puff Pastry Cranberry Cinnamon Rolls
Spiced Cranberry Ginger Ale Punch
Cranberry Ginger Ale Pear Punch
Cranberry Smash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz tequila
- 1 oz of leftover cranberry sauce
- ½ oz orange juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes of citrus bitters
- Ice
Instructions
- Add ice, 1 ½ oz of tequila, 1 oz of leftover cranberry sauce, ½ oz of orange juice, and 2 dashes of citrus bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or sage.
- Serve.
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