Can I use frozen cranberries instead of cranberry juice?

While you could use frozen cranberries, they won't provide the same liquid base. I recommend sticking with cranberry juice for the best results. If you're feeling adventurous, you could make a cranberry simple syrup!

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

It's best to make this drink right before serving to maintain its fizziness and freshness. However, you can muddle the mint and lime ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours.

What if I don't have sparkling water?

No problem! You can substitute with club soda or seltzer water. Ginger ale would also work in a pinch, but it will make the drink sweeter.

Can I add alcohol to this recipe?

Sure, you can turn it into a regular mojito by adding 1.5 ounces of white rum per serving. It'll be a fantastic Cranberry Orange Mojito!

I don't have agave, what else can I use?

Maple syrup or simply regular sugar is a very common choice. They are all okay. However, using sugar may add some texture to the drink.

Virgin mojito

Name: Cranberry Orange Virgin Mojito Cheer
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Mocktails
Ingredients: 10-12 Fresh Mint Leaves; 2 Lime Wedges; 4 oz Cranberry Juice; 2 oz Fresh Orange Juice; 0.5-1 tbsp Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup (optional); as needed Ice Cubes; as needed Sparkling Water; as needed Lime Wedge, Orange Slice, Mint Sprig (for garnish)

cranberry orange virgin mojito cheer

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

29 Sept 2025

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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?

Required Equipments

Muddler
Pint Glass
Long Spoon
Measuring Spoons/Jigger

Cranberry Orange Virgin Mojito Cheer: Frequently Asked Questions

Cranberry Orange Virgin Mojito Cheer

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: 5 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

10-12 Fresh Mint Leaves
2 Lime Wedges
4 oz Cranberry Juice
2 oz Fresh Orange Juice
0.5-1 tbsp Agave Nectar or Simple Syrup (optional)
as needed Ice Cubes
as needed Sparkling Water
as needed Lime Wedge, Orange Slice, Mint Sprig (for garnish)

📖 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.