Juniper Holiday Mocktail
Bright, festive, and wonderfully aromatic, this simplified Juniper Holiday Mocktail brings together cranberry, citrus, and a gentle hint of juniper. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for gatherings when you want something delicious but alcohol-free.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Juniper Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp dried juniper berries, lightly crushed
- 1 small rosemary sprig (optional but festive)
Mocktail
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or low sugar)
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
- Extra cranberries + orange slices for garnish
- Rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
Make the Juniper Syrup
- Combine: Add water, sweetener, and crushed juniper berries (plus rosemary if using) to a small saucepan.
- Simmer: Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sweetener dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Infuse: Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain: Strain into a jar and cool. Will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Assemble the Mocktail
- Fill glasses with ice.
- Mix the base: In a pitcher or jar, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and 3–4 tablespoons of the juniper syrup. Stir.
- Top with bubbles: Pour into glasses and top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish: Add a rosemary sprig, a few cranberries, or an orange slice to make it extra festive.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less juniper syrup.
- For a sugar-free version, use monk fruit sweetener in the syrup.
- For a cocktail variation, a splash of gin pairs beautifully with the juniper and citrus.
