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Cranberry Elderberry Holiday Spritzer Recipe

Posted by THT Steph on 12th Nov 2026

Cranberry Elderberry Holiday Spritzer Recipe

I adore everything about the holidays, but between the chilly weather, late nights, and crowded family gatherings, the season always seems to put our immune systems to the test. That’s why I love finding little ways to sneak seasonal wellness into our festive traditions—and this Cranberry Elderberry Holiday Spritzer has quickly become my favorite go-to.

I keep a bottle of elderberry tincture on my counter all winter long because it’s packed with antioxidants that help keep our immune defenses strong during peak cold and flu season. Beyond the wellness boost, those rich, earthy berry notes taste amazing paired with tart cranberry juice, fresh orange, and a splash of fizz. It takes just three minutes to throw together, feels special enough for Christmas Eve dinner, and lets you raise a glass to staying healthy all season long!

This Cranberry Elderberry Holiday Spritzer takes three minutes to assemble, pairs the deep, earthy berry notes of elderberry tincture with tart cranberry and bright citrus, and finishes with a festive rosemary garnish.

Ingredients (1 Serving)

  • Elderberry tincture: 1 to 2 dropperfuls (about 1–2 mL, or follow your bottle's standard serving size)

  • 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened): 2 oz

  • Fresh orange juice: 1 oz (about half a small orange)

  • Maple syrup or simple syrup: 1/2 oz (adjust to taste, especially if using unsweetened cranberry juice)

  • Sparkling water, club soda, or dry Prosecco: 4 oz, chilled

  • Ice: 1 cup

  • Garnish: 1 fresh rosemary sprig, 4–5 fresh cranberries, and an orange wheel

Instructions

1. Chill and fill your glass. Fill a wine glass or tall highball glass with ice. Chilling the glass beforehand keeps the spritzer crisp longer without diluting the flavor.
2. Combine the base liquids and tincture. Do not shake with carbonated mixers. Pour the cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, maple syrup, and elderberry tincture directly over the ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds so the thicker tincture and syrup dissolve evenly into the juice.
3. Top with fizz. Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water (or Prosecco for an alcoholic version) over the juice mixture. Give it one gentle bottom-to-top lift with your spoon to integrate the bubbles without flattening them.
4. Garnish and serve. Roll or slap the fresh rosemary sprig lightly between your palms to release its piney aroma, then tuck it into the glass alongside the orange wheel and fresh cranberries.

Quick Variations

  • Warm Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a whole star anise pod to the glass before pouring the sparkling water.

  • Pitcher Batch (6 Servings): Combine 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice, 3/4 cup orange juice, 3 oz maple syrup, and 6–12 dropperfuls of elderberry tincture in a pitcher. Stir well, chill until serving, and top each glass individually with 4 oz of sparkling water.

Whether you’re hosting a bustling Christmas Eve dinner or simply winding down by the tree after wrapping gifts, I hope this festive spritzer brings a little extra cheer—and wellness—to your glass this season. If you whip up a batch, I’d love to hear how you made it your own in the comments below. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and wonderful holiday!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment below to share if you kept it alcohol-free with sparkling water or dressed it up with Prosecco—and tell me your favorite ways to use elderberry tincture during the winter months!

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