5 Ingredients: Cranberry Spritzer

During the holidays or family gatherings, the adults sip on wine or cocktails and the kids drink juice, but my 7-year-old son complained that he wanted something more (and I refuse to buy soda). That’s how this cranberry spritzer was born.
cranberry spritzer

Holiday Cocktail with Ice and Citrus Peels

During holidays or big family gatherings, the adults sip on wine or cocktails and the kids drink juice, but my 7-year-old son complained that he wanted something more (and I refuse to buy soda). That’s how this cranberry spritzer was born.

Ingredients:
12 ice cubes
2 1/2 cups of seltzer
2 cups 100% cranberry juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 orange, thinly sliced
Seltzer

Seltzer, sparkling water or club soda gives beverages a soda-like feel without all the sugar (or fake sugar). I grew up on seltzer, so that’s what I prefer to use. With no calories, caffeine, artificial colors, preservatives or sweeteners, this is my kind of ingredient! Use more seltzer if you like your beverage a little less sweet.

Place ice cubes into pitcher. Add seltzer.
Cranberry Juice

Always use 100% juice to ensure the least amount of added sugars. Read the label to make sure your juice also contains 100% vitamin C. Because it's easily destroyed during the processing, many companies add it back in to their juices. For different flavors you can also try apple cider or orange juice.

Add 2 cups of cranberry juice to a large pitcher.
Honey

I love the clover honey that I picked up at my farmers' market a few months ago -- better still, local honey is linked to lowering the incidence of allergies. As an alternative, sweeten your spritzer with agave syrup.

Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey.
Orange

A thinly sliced orange adds pizazz to your drink and some extra vitamin C. If you’re more in the Christmas spirit, add a handful of refreshing mint leaves for a red and green combination that everybody will love.

Add orange slices and stir to combine.
Nutrition Info (per serving):
Servings: 4 (about 1 cup per person)
Calories: 100
Fat: 0 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Carbohydrate: 26 grams
Sodium: 39 milligrams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Fiber: 0 grams

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