This bright holiday spritzer has been my go-to for festive gatherings ever since a snowy December when I needed a quick, crowd-pleasing drink that felt special without a long ingredient list. I discovered the combination of orange, cranberry and maraschino cherry syrup when a last-minute guest arrival left me hunting for pantry staples; the result was light, celebratory, and fragrant with citrus and rosemary. It quickly became a seasonal favorite at our house: neighbors bring cookies when we bring this pitcher. The texture is lively — fizzy from ginger ale, slightly syrupy from the cherry juice, and balanced by fresh lemon — and it carries just enough vodka to warm conversations without overpowering them. I love that this beverage is versatile. It reads festive on the table whether you serve it in a punch bowl or pour it into individual stemmed glasses with a rosemary sprig. The tart cranberry and sweet orange create a color that instantly feels like the holidays. I usually assemble a non-alcoholic batch for the kids or those abstaining and reserve a spirited version with vodka for adults. Over the years I’ve learned little tricks — chill everything in advance, use freshly squeezed lemon, and add a sprig of rosemary at the last moment for aroma — that keep the flavors bright and the presentation charming.

Ingredients

• Orange juice (2 cups): Use chilled, pulp-free or lightly pulped orange juice for brightness. Freshly squeezed or a good-quality refrigerated brand like Simply Orange gives the best citrus aroma and natural sweetness.
• Cranberry juice (2 cups): Opt for 100% cranberry juice for authentic tartness. Avoid cocktail blends that are overly sweet; the tart cranberry balances the orange and cherry syrup.
• Ginger ale (2 cups): Use a cold, crisp ginger ale to add effervescence; Canada Dry or Schweppes are reliable. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, substitute with lemon-lime soda for a different profile.
• Vodka (1 cup): Use a clean, neutral vodka such as Tito’s or Absolut. For a non-alcoholic version, replace with an additional 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water.
• Maraschino cherry juice (1/2 cup): This adds color and a hint of cherry sweetness. Reserve a few whole cherries for garnish, and choose brands with natural color when possible.
• Juice of 1 large lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons) sharpens the flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying — bottled lemon juice lacks the same brightness.
• Garnish: A handful of fresh cranberries and several rosemary sprigs bring aroma and festive flair. Fresh rosemary also infuses a piney note that pairs well with citrus.

Instructions

Combine the base liquids: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in 2 cups chilled orange juice, 2 cups cranberry juice, and 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice. Choose a vessel that holds at least 3 quarts so you have room to stir gently without spilling. Add the alcohol and lemon: If using alcohol, measure and add 1 cup vodka to the pitcher. Squeeze the juice of one large lemon into the mixture, straining seeds. The lemon brightens the overall profile; taste and adjust by an extra 1 teaspoon if the mix needs more lift. Bring fizz at service: Just before serving, add 2 cups chilled ginger ale. If you’re preparing a non-alcoholic batch, substitute the vodka for 1 cup more ginger ale or sparkling water. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine — vigorous stirring will flatten the bubbles. Serve over ice: Fill glasses with ice and pour the spritzer over. Leave a little headspace so the bubbles can rise. Visual cues: the surface should be lively with small bubbles and you should see a slight color gradient from orange to deep cranberry. Garnish with flair: Top each glass with a few cranberries or a maraschino cherry and tuck in a rosemary sprig. For a festive touch, freeze cranberries on a tray overnight and add them frozen to slow dilution.

Storage Tips

Store assembled non-carbonated components (orange juice, cranberry juice, maraschino juice, and lemon juice) in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep ginger ale and vodka separate and cold until serving. If you have leftover mixed spritzer with ginger ale, use an airtight container and drink within 12 hours to enjoy decent fizz; otherwise, refrigerate and accept a softer texture. For freezing, freeze cranberries on a baking sheet then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months; rosemary will brown if frozen and thawed, so reserve fresh sprigs for garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version, replace half the orange juice with sparkling water and reduce maraschino juice to 2 tablespoons to lower sweetness. Swap vodka for rum or gin for a different botanical profile; rum adds warmth while gin enhances herbal notes. If you prefer less tartness, use a sweeter cranberry blend or add 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup. For a caffeine-free twist, ginger beer works well but will increase spice and sweetness, so taste and adjust lemon accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in tall Collins glasses for an elegant look or in stemmed wine glasses for a more refined presentation. Pair with spiced nuts, shortbread, or cheese platters — the tartness of the spritzer cuts through rich flavors. For a brunch-friendly twist, offer alongside a holiday pancake stack or smoked salmon platter. Garnish with an orange wheel, a cinnamon stick, or a sugared rosemary sprig to match the event’s theme.

Cultural Background

Spritz-style beverages have European roots — especially in Italian aperitivo culture — where sparkling ingredients balance bitter or sweet flavors as a prelude to a meal. This particular mix of citrus and cranberry is an American holiday adaptation that melds winter fruit with the festive habit of serving bubbly beverages. The use of maraschino cherry syrup adds a retro cocktail vibe reminiscent of mid-century punch bowls, and the rosemary garnish borrows from Northern European evergreen traditions, giving the drink both celebratory color and aromatic depth.

Seasonal Adaptations

For winter, increase maraschino juice slightly and add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the pitcher for warming spice. In summer, lighten the mix by using sparkling water in place of ginger ale and substitute chilled blood orange juice for a brighter, fruit-forward profile. For Thanksgiving, add a splash of apple cider and a cinnamon stick to the pitcher to echo seasonal flavors. Each swap nudges the beverage toward a new holiday identity while keeping the core sparkling character intact.

Meal Prep Tips

Prepare the non-carbonated base up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just before guests arrive, chill your glasses and ginger ale, then top the base with soda and garnish. Portion into individual bottles with a rosemary sprig for grab-and-go party favors. When transporting, keep ginger ale cold and add it at the last stop — carrying assembled bubbly in a sealed container often leads to a flat outcome.

This spritzer is about the warmth of gatherings and the little ritual of pouring a bubbly glass while guests arrive. Whether you keep it spirited or make a soft version, it’s simple, beautiful, and welcoming — perfect for making holiday moments a touch more magical.