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Vanilla Cranberry Crush

A festive, creamy, and fizzy holiday drink featuring homemade thick cranberry vanilla syrup, sparkling water, and a splash of heavy cream.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 drinks
Course: Beverage, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Vanilla Syrup
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
Drink Assembly
  • 4 cups ice crushed or cubed
  • 1 liter club soda or sparkling water
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 4 sprigs rosemary for garnish

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Highball glasses

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cranberries. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until cranberries burst and syrup is thick and viscous.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract (or steep vanilla bean).
  4. Strain syrup through a mesh sieve, pressing on berries to extract juice. Let cool completely.
  5. Fill glasses with ice.
  6. Pour 3-4 tablespoons of syrup into the bottom of each glass.
  7. Top with club soda until almost full.
  8. Pour a splash of heavy cream on top to create the 'crush' effect.
  9. Garnish with fresh cranberries and serve immediately.

Notes

For an alcoholic version, add 1.5 oz of vanilla vodka or spiced rum to the glass before adding the soda.