This refreshing cranberry lemonade is made with homemade rosemary-infused cranberry syrup and fresh citrus juices. It’s a festive drink with a crisp, tart flavor. It’s simple to make, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
This cranberry orange lemonade is my go-to festive drink during the holidays. It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of bright citrus flavor, with a homemade cranberry syrup that makes it feel extra special and seasonal. It’s the kind of drink you can sip all evening and still feel refreshed.
I start by simmering cranberries with water, sugar, and fresh rosemary to make a vibrant, aromatic syrup. Once strained, I stir it into a pitcher with fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, cold water, and plenty of ice. The result is lightly sweet, pleasantly tart, and beautifully balanced, with subtle herbal notes from the rosemary.
I usually serve this as a non-alcoholic option at Christmas parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and holiday brunches, garnished with orange slices, lemon rounds, rosemary sprigs, and frozen cranberries. It’s easy to make ahead and just as easy to turn into a cocktail with a splash of vodka, which makes it a flexible, crowd-friendly drink I come back to every holiday season.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the cranberry syrup and mix the citrus juices with water in advance (steps 1-3), then store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the ice until right before you’re ready to serve.
How long does the cranberry syrup keep?
The cranberry syrup will keep in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or container for up to a week.
What’s the best kind of sugar to use?
We use regular granulated sugar, but you can also use an equal amount of honey as a natural alternative.
Cranberry Lemonade Recipe
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Ingredients
Cranberry Syrup
- ▢ 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ▢ 2 cups water
- ▢ ¾ cup sugar
- ▢ 4 5-inch rosemary springs
Cranberry Orange Lemonade
- ▢ 4 cups water
- ▢ ½ cup lemon juice
- ▢ ½ cup orange juice
- ▢ Orange slices, lemon slices, rosemary, and frozen cranberries (to garnish)
Instructions
- Make the cranberry syrup by adding the cranberries, water, sugar, and rosemary to a small pot over high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Take the pot off the heat, mash the cranberries with a fork, then let it cool. 2 cups cranberries, 2 cups water, ¾ cup sugar, 4 5-inch rosemary springs
- Strain the cranberry syrup through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Pour the cranberry syrup, water, lemon juice, and orange juice into a large pitcher. 4 cups water, ½ cup lemon juice, ½ cup orange juice
- When you’re ready to serve it, add ice to the pitcher then pour it into tall glasses and garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Orange slices, lemon slices, rosemary, and frozen cranberries
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Cranberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
Cranberry Syrup
- 2 cups cranberries , fresh or frozen
- 2 cups water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 5-inch rosemary springs
Cranberry Orange Lemonade
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup orange juice
- Orange slices, lemon slices, rosemary, and frozen cranberries , to garnish
Instructions
- Make the cranberry syrup by adding the cranberries, water, sugar, and rosemary to a small pot over high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Take the pot off the heat, mash the cranberries with a fork, then let it cool. 2 cups cranberries, 2 cups water, ¾ cup sugar, 4 5-inch rosemary springs
- Strain the cranberry syrup through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Pour the cranberry syrup, water, lemon juice, and orange juice into a large pitcher. 4 cups water, ½ cup lemon juice, ½ cup orange juice
- When you’re ready to serve it, add ice to the pitcher then pour it into tall glasses and garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Orange slices, lemon slices, rosemary, and frozen cranberries
