If you love Starbucks drinks but want to enjoy them at home, the Cran-Merry Drink is a perfect choice! This refreshing drink is fruity, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel cozy and happy. With its blend of cranberry, orange, and grape juices, this copycat recipe brings the flavors of the holidays right into your kitchen. You can easily make this drink for parties, family gatherings, or just to enjoy on a chilly day. Let’s dive into how to make this fantastic drink!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love the Cran-Merry Drink. First, it’s super easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Second, it tastes amazing! The mix of juices creates a festive flavor that is both refreshing and comforting. Third, it’s a treat you can customize. You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to suit your taste. Lastly, it looks great! The bright colors and garnishes make it a perfect drink for gatherings. You will feel proud serving this drink to your friends and family.
HOW TO MAKE Cran-Merry Drink
Ingredients
To make the Cran-Merry Drink, you will need:
- 1/2 cup 100 percent cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup blood orange juice or regular orange juice, pulp-free
- 1/2 cup white grape juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
- 1/2 cup of the prepared Cran-Merry Orange Refresher Base
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut milk
- Ice
- Freeze-dried cranberries or fresh cranberries for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Refresher Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, blood orange juice, white grape juice, water, granulated sugar, citric acid, and any warm spices you wish to add.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan on low heat. Stir the mixture gently as it warms up. Keep stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Cool the Base: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully pour the mixture into a large mason jar. Let it cool completely before using.
- Combine with Coconut Milk: In a shaker, add the cooled Refresher Base and the sweetened coconut milk. Close the shaker tightly and shake well until everything is nicely mixed.
- Serve Over Ice: Prepare a tall glass by filling it with ice. Pour the Cran-Merry mixture over the ice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add some freeze-dried cranberries or fresh cranberries on top as a garnish. Serve your delicious drink right away!
HOW TO SERVE Cran-Merry Drink
The Cran-Merry Drink is best served chilled, over ice. You can also add additional garnishes like a slice of orange or a sprig of mint for a festive touch. This drink is perfect for holiday parties or cozy family dinners. Serve it in clear glasses to show off its beautiful colors.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cran-Merry Drink
If you have leftover Cran-Merry Drink, you can store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container and it should stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the Refresher Base before adding the coconut milk. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator and mix in fresh coconut milk before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
The Cran-Merry Drink pairs well with many snacks and meals. Consider serving it with:
- Holiday cookies
- Cheese boards
- Light salads
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Breakfast pastries
You can also use it as a fun mixer in cocktails or mocktails for adult gatherings.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to switch up this recipe based on your taste:
- Different Juices: Try using grape juice or apple juice in place of the white grape juice.
- Add Bubbles: For a fizzy drink, top it off with club soda or sparkling water.
- Fruit Enhancements: Add fresh fruit slices like strawberries or lime for extra flavor.
- Herbal Touch: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh juices instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh juices will work great! Just make sure to strain out any pulp if you prefer a smooth drink.
2. Is it possible to make this drink without sugar?
Absolutely! You can use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener, or skip sweetening altogether if you prefer it less sweet.
3. How can I make this drink vegan?
This recipe is already vegan when using a plant-based milk like coconut milk. Just make sure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
4. Can I prepare the Refresher Base ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the Refresher Base a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cran-Merry Drink
If you want to save time, you can prepare the Refresher Base a day before your event. Just follow the instructions and store it in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, mix it with coconut milk and ice. This way, you can enjoy the drink without any fuss on the day of your gathering. You can also prepare garnishes ahead of time, making the preparation process smooth and stress-free. Enjoy your delicious Cran-Merry Drink whenever you like!
Cran-Merry Drink
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, blood orange juice, white grape juice, water, granulated sugar, citric acid, and optional warm spices.
- Place the saucepan on low heat and stir gently until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a large mason jar. Allow it to cool completely before using.
- In a shaker, add the cooled Refresher Base and sweetened coconut milk, then shake well.
- Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the Cran-Merry mixture over the ice.
- Add freeze-dried or fresh cranberries as a garnish and serve immediately.