This Winter Berry Spritzer combines tart cranberry juice, bright pomegranate juice, fresh lemon juice, homemade simple syrup, and bubbly lemon-lime soda for a refreshing drink that’s as pretty as it is easy to make. When the weather turns cold, there’s something special about having a festive drink to share around the table.
This recipe makes a pitcher for four, making it perfect for a family meal, holiday gathering, winter brunch, or a cozy afternoon with friends. A few pomegranate seeds and sprigs of fresh rosemary make a simple pitcher feel extra special.
And we’re keeping things homemade wherever we can. Use your own homemade simple syrup and fresh rosemary from the garden if you have it available. You can even use homemade or preserved fruit juices if you have them tucked away in the pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Berry Spritzer
- Made for sharing. This recipe makes four servings, so it’s easy to prepare for family and friends.
- Uses simple ingredients. You don’t need a long list of specialty ingredients.
- Homemade flavor. Homemade simple syrup and fresh rosemary give this drink a special touch.
- Beautiful for entertaining. The deep red color and fresh garnishes make a pretty addition to a winter table.
- Easy to customize. Make it sweeter, less sweet, or add different citrus and garnishes.
- Nonalcoholic. Everyone can enjoy it, and adults can easily turn their individual serving into a cocktail.
Homemade Winter Berry Spritzer
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Cranberry Juice
- 4 Ounces Pomegranate Juice
- 2 Ounces Lemon Juice fresh is best
- 2 Ounces Simple Syrup or to taste
- 16 Ounces Lemon-Lime Soda chilled
- Ice for serving
- Pomegranate Seeds for garnish
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Homemade Winter Berry Spritzer
- Add the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a large pitcher.4 Ounces Cranberry Juice, 4 Ounces Pomegranate Juice, 2 Ounces Lemon Juice, 2 Ounces Simple Syrup
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Just before serving, add the chilled lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to combine.16 Ounces Lemon-Lime Soda
- Fill four glasses with ice and divide the spritzer between the glasses.Ice
- Garnish each glass with a few pomegranate seeds and a small sprig of fresh rosemary.Pomegranate Seeds, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Winter Berry Spritzer
Chill the juice mixture first. This helps keep the finished drink cold without needing to add excessive ice. Add the soda right before serving. The carbonation is part of what makes this drink refreshing, so wait until you’re ready to serve before adding it. Taste before adding more sweetener. Cranberry juices vary quite a bit in sweetness, and the lemon-lime soda adds additional sugar. You may find that the recommended amount of simple syrup is perfect, or you may want a little more or less. Use fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice. Don’t forget the rosemary. Even if you don’t eat the rosemary, its aroma adds another layer to the drink. When you bring the glass to your mouth, you’ll get a little of that fresh herbal scent along with the fruit flavors. Keep the garnishes simple. A few pomegranate seeds and one small rosemary sprig are enough to make each glass look festive without overpowering the drink.Nutrition
Ingredients For the Winter Berry Spritzer
Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice provides the tart berry flavor and beautiful red color. Use your favorite cranberry juice or a homemade version if you have one available.
Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice adds a fruity flavor and balances the tartness of the cranberry juice.
Fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink and keeps the fruit flavors from becoming too sweet.
Homemade simple syrup: A little simple syrup rounds out the tartness. Since the lemon-lime soda also adds sweetness, you can adjust the amount to your taste.
Lemon-lime soda: This adds the bubbles and a little extra sweetness. Add it right before serving so the spritzer stays fizzy.
Ice: Serve the spritzer well chilled over ice.
Pomegranate seeds: Fresh pomegranate arils make a beautiful garnish and add a little texture.
Fresh rosemary: Rosemary adds a subtle herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with the fruit and gives the drink a festive winter appearance.
Make It More Homemade
This is a great recipe to customize with ingredients you’ve made or preserved yourself.
Our homemade simple syrup is an easy place to start. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it refrigerated so you have it ready for drinks, desserts, and other recipes.
If you grow rosemary, this is also a wonderful way to use a few fresh sprigs during the winter. Rosemary is often available when many other garden herbs have gone dormant, making it a useful herb to keep on hand.
You can also use homemade or home-preserved cranberry or pomegranate juice if you happen to have some available. The goal isn’t to make every single ingredient from scratch. It’s about using what you have and adding a few homemade touches where they make sense.
Variations to Try
Use sparkling water
For a less-sweet drink, replace some or all of the lemon-lime soda with plain or lemon-flavored sparkling water.
Add orange juice
Replace part of the lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a sweeter citrus flavor. Orange slices also make a pretty garnish.
Try lime juice
Fresh lime juice can be used in place of the lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.
Add frozen cranberries
Frozen cranberries can be added directly to each glass. They act like little ice cubes while adding a festive touch.
Make it extra bubbly
For a lighter, more sparkling drink, reduce the amount of juice slightly and add additional lemon-lime soda or sparkling water.
Add a winter spice
For a warmer seasonal flavor, infuse your simple syrup with a small cinnamon stick while making it. Remove the cinnamon before using the syrup in the drink.
How to Turn It into a Cocktail
The pitcher itself is best kept nonalcoholic so everyone can enjoy it. Instead, add alcohol to individual servings.
For an adult cocktail, pour 1 to 1½ ounces of rosemary vodka into a glass before adding the Winter Berry Spritzer.
Regular vodka also works well, or try a citrus-flavored vodka for a brighter variation.
Make Ahead Instructions
The cranberry, pomegranate, lemon juice, and simple syrup can be combined several hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Wait to add the lemon-lime soda until just before serving. This keeps the carbonation fresh.
For the prettiest presentation, add the pomegranate seeds and rosemary to the individual glasses rather than putting them into the pitcher ahead of time.
How to Store Leftovers
Once the soda has been added, this drink is best enjoyed the same day. The carbonation will gradually disappear as it sits.
If you have leftover juice mixture that hasn’t had soda added, cover and refrigerate it. Add fresh lemon-lime soda when you’re ready to make another batch.
Can I make this Winter Berry Spritzer ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the cranberry, pomegranate, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the lemon-lime soda right before serving.
Can I use homemade cranberry juice?
Absolutely. Homemade cranberry juice is a wonderful option if you have some available. Just keep in mind that the sweetness can vary, so taste the mixture before adding additional simple syrup.
Can I use sparkling water instead of lemon-lime soda?
Yes. Sparkling water is a great choice if you prefer a less-sweet drink. Lemon, lime, or plain sparkling water all work well.
Can I make this for more than four people?
Yes. Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you’d like to make. Keep the same proportions and add the soda just before serving.
Can I make this into an alcoholic drink?
Yes. Keep the pitcher nonalcoholic and add 1 to 1½ ounces of vodka or rosemary vodka to individual servings.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, although fresh lemon juice gives the drink a brighter flavor and is worth using when possible.
What to Serve with Winter Berry Spritzer
This festive drink works well with both sweet and savory winter foods. Serve it with:
- Holiday appetizers
- Cheese and crackers
- Charcuterie boards
- Roast chicken
- Turkey dinner
- Holiday brunch
- Breakfast casseroles
- Homemade breads
- Christmas cookies
- Cakes and pies
It’s also a nice alternative to coffee or mimosas for a winter brunch.
Homemade Winter Berry Spritzer
A festive homemade drink doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With a few simple ingredients and a little homemade simple syrup, this Winter Berry Spritzer comes together quickly and makes a beautiful addition to a winter gathering.
The cranberry and pomegranate give it plenty of seasonal flavor, while the fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds add a pretty finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday meal or enjoying a glass around the kitchen table, it’s a simple way to make an ordinary winter day feel a little more festive.
Easy drink everyone at the party can enjoy.