Save This festive Cream Soda Cranberry Fizz with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch brings together the nostalgic vanilla notes of cream soda with tart cranberry juice, creating a beautiful ruby-colored beverage that's perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a special non-alcoholic option. The cinnamon sugar rim adds a delightful crunch and warmth that elevates this simple drink into something truly memorable.
I first created this drink for a holiday open house when I needed something special that everyone could enjoy. The combination of fizzy cream soda and tart cranberry was such a hit that guests were asking for the recipe all evening, and now it's become our signature holiday beverage.
Ingredients
- Cranberry juice: provides the beautiful ruby color and tart backbone of this drink look for 100% juice rather than cocktail for better flavor control
- Cream soda: brings vanilla sweetness that makes this drink unique regular vanilla soda lacks the creamy richness needed
- Club soda: adds effervescence without additional sweetness use freshly opened bottles for maximum fizz
- Fresh lime juice: balances the sweetness with bright acidity always use fresh squeezed for the best flavor
- Simple syrup: allows you to control sweetness precisely make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon: for the rim creates the signature crunch that makes this drink special
- Coarse sparkling sugar: optional but adds extra visual appeal and texture to the rim
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- Mix granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and coarse sparkling sugar in a shallow bowl until thoroughly combined. The mixture should have a warm brown color with sparkly bits throughout. Run a lime wedge around each glass rim, making sure to moisten it completely. Immediately dip each rim into the sugar mixture, rotating gently to ensure even coverage. The sugar should adhere in a thick, even layer. Set glasses aside to dry slightly while preparing the drink.
- Prepare the Glasses:
- Fill each rimmed glass with ice cubes, being careful not to disturb the sugar rim. Use larger ice cubes rather than crushed ice to prevent too-rapid dilution of the drink. The ice should fill about 2/3 of the glass, leaving room for the beverage.
- Mix the Drink:
- In a large pitcher, gently combine the chilled cranberry juice, cream soda, club soda, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir with a long spoon using slow, deliberate movements to preserve as much carbonation as possible. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more simple syrup. The mixture should be bright pink with a frothy top from the carbonation.
- Serve with Style:
- Carefully pour the mixed beverage into the prepared glasses, being mindful not to disturb the sugar rim. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and prevent foam overflow. Add fresh cranberries and lime slices as garnish if desired, floating them gently on top of the drink. Serve immediately while the drink is well chilled and fully carbonated.
Save The cinnamon sugar rim is truly what makes this drink special. I discovered this technique while experimenting with holiday beverages and found that the subtle warmth of cinnamon perfectly complements the vanilla notes in the cream soda. My family now requests the "crunchy drinks" for every special occasion, and I've started using the same rim technique on hot chocolate and other beverages too.
Make-Ahead Options
The cinnamon sugar mixture can be prepared up to a month in advance and stored in an airtight container. For parties, rim the glasses up to two hours before serving and leave them at room temperature. You can also mix the cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup ahead of time, but add the carbonated ingredients just before serving to maintain the fizz. This preparation strategy has saved me countless times when hosting holiday gatherings.
Customization Ideas
This versatile drink can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different preferences and occasions. For a more sophisticated adult version, add 1 ounce of vodka or white rum per glass. During summer months, freeze cranberry juice in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice cubes, preventing dilution as they melt. For a more intense vanilla flavor, add a drop of pure vanilla extract to each glass before pouring. I've even created a spiced version by adding a cinnamon stick and star anise to the pitcher.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fizzy delight alongside savory appetizers like cheese boards or spiced nuts, where the sweetness provides a pleasant contrast. For holiday brunches, it makes a festive non-alcoholic alternative to mimosas. Present the drinks on a decorative tray with fresh cranberries and lime slices scattered around for a beautiful presentation. Consider serving with colorful paper straws that complement your event theme, allowing guests to enjoy the drink without disturbing the sugar rim.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Winter holidays use sugared rosemary sprigs as garnish for a festive evergreen touch
- Summer gatherings add fresh raspberries or blackberries for additional fruitiness
- Fall celebrations incorporate a dash of apple cider for seasonal warmth
Save Chill all ingredients thoroughly before mixing to maintain maximum carbonation and serve immediately for the best fizzy experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the best cinnamon sugar rim?
Mix sugars and cinnamon thoroughly, run a lime wedge around each glass rim, and press into the mixture for even coating.
- → Can I substitute the cream soda?
Yes, try vanilla seltzer or lemon-lime soda for a similar creamy sweetness with a lighter flavor.
- → Is this drink suitable for kids?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are alcohol-free, but you can add vodka for adult gatherings if desired.
- → What garnishes work best?
Fresh cranberries and lime slices add color and tartness, but orange zest or cherries also make festive options.
- → How can sweetness be adjusted?
Use more or less simple syrup to taste, and opt for unsweetened or sweetened cranberry juice as preferred.