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I remember one particularly gloomy December. The kind where the sky seemed permanently stuck on gray and the holiday spirit felt... well, a little damp. My friend, bless her heart, suggested a 'cheer-up' crafting session. After a disastrous attempt at making felt ornaments that looked more like abstract monsters, we decided a drink was in order. I threw together some cranberry juice, an orange I found rolling around in the fridge (don't judge!), and a sprig of mint from my sad little windowsill herb garden. A splash of lime later, and BAM! The Cranberry Orange Virgin Mojito Cheer was born. It was so yummy, a little sweet, a little tart, and perfectly festive. It did the trick! I felt so much better. Ever since then, it's my go-to holiday drink to share with friends and family, it feels special, you know?
This virgin mojito is more than just a drink; it's an experience. The vibrant colors, the invigorating aroma, and the crisp, clean taste make it a sensory delight. I've always loved how versatile it is. You can whip it up for a sophisticated brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or even a simple treat after a long day. Plus, it’s so easy to customize. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more agave or simple syrup. Prefer a stronger mint flavor? Muddle a few extra leaves. It's a recipe that invites you to play around and make it your own, what do you think?
Brighten your day with a Cranberry Orange Virgin Mojito Cheer! This alcohol-free delight combines the tangy zest of orange and cranberry with the refreshing coolness of mint and lime. It's the perfect drink for any celebration or a relaxing evening.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Get Your Mint Ready: Gently rinse about 10-12 fresh mint leaves under cool water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. No one likes sandy mint!
Muddle the Mint and Lime: In a sturdy glass (a pint glass works well), combine the mint leaves and 2 lime wedges. Use a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon if you're in a pinch!) to gently press and twist the mint and lime together. Don't over-muddle; you want to release the flavors, not pulverize the leaves, or it can become bitter.
Add Orange and Cranberry: Pour in 4 ounces of cranberry juice and 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice into the glass. If you're using store-bought juice, make sure it's good quality and not overly sweet.
Sweeten to Taste (Optional): If you like a sweeter drink, add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or simple syrup. Start with less and add more to your preference. I like mine with just a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness.
Add Ice: Fill the glass almost to the top with ice cubes. Crushed ice works too, but it will melt faster.
Top with Sparkling Water: Pour sparkling water (club soda or seltzer also works) over the ice, leaving a little room at the top.
Stir Gently: Use a long spoon to gently stir the mixture. Be careful not to over-stir, as you don't want to lose the fizz from the sparkling water.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge, an orange slice, and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately and enjoy your Cranberry Orange Virgin Mojito Cheer! Tip: For an extra festive touch, you can add a few fresh cranberries as garnish.
Adjust to your preference. Some people like more orange, some people may prefer it less sweet.
📝 Notes
For a stronger mint flavor, muddle the mint more vigorously.
Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Use high-quality cranberry and orange juice for the best taste.