Cran-Merry Drink (Starbucks Copycat)

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This Cran-Merry Drink is the festive holiday sipper you didn’t know you needed! Made with a sweet-tangy cranberry and mixed juice base, rich coconut milk, and a freeze-dried cranberry garnish, it is oh-so-cheery and refreshing for any occasion.

The holidays are officially here, and that means it’s time for endless festive drinks that make you feel like you’re celebrating all season long! Look no further than the Starbucks holiday menu for the ultimate inspiration, like this copycat cran-merry refresher. This refreshing beverage captures all the tangy joy of cranberry with a twist of citrusy goodness and comforting creamy coconut milk. It’s like the love child of a holiday punch and a cozy winter mocktail–each sip will have your taste buds singing, “Fa-la-la-la”!

This version of Starbucks’ cranberry coconut refresher starts with a base made with cranberry juice cocktail, blood orange syrup, and a hint of citric acid for the perfect tartness. The base pairs beautifully with creamy coconut milk for the ultimate sippable holiday treat. And let’s not forget the warming spices–cinnamon and cloves–that give the tart-sweet cranberry drink an extra comforting holiday kick! Then, the decadent sipper is topped off with freeze-dried or fresh cranberries for an edible finishing touch and picturesque presentation.

If you’re the kind of person who craves a drink that’s both festive and refreshing, this cranberry refresher is for you! It’s not too heavy, not too sweet, and it will make you feel merry and bright, even on the busiest holiday days. The elegant presentation also makes an excellent mocktail for holiday parties and gatherings. And with no caffeine, kids can enjoy it too!

For more copycat Starbucks holiday drinks, try my Iced Gingerbread Oat Milk Chai Tea Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte, or Chestnut Praline Latte.

Jump to:

What is a Cran-Merry Drink?
What Does it Taste Like?
Why You'll Love This Cran-Merry Drink
Ingredients
Substitutions
How to Make a Cran-Merry Drink At Home
Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
Serving Suggestions
Recipe Success Tips
FAQs
Nutritional Info
Other Refresher Recipes
Cran-Merry Drink (Starbucks Copycat)

What is a Cran-Merry Drink?

This cranberry drink is a copycat version of one of the new Starbucks drinks on the 2024 holiday menu– the Starbucks cranberry refresher. The refreshing iced beverage combines cranberry, citrus, and coconut flavors for a light and balanced drink. It starts with a cran-merry orange refresher base consisting of cranberry juice cocktail, blood orange syrup, and citric acid for the perfect amount of tartness.

This base is then paired with sweetened coconut milk and shaken with ice to create a smooth, fruity drink that feels like a warm hug in liquid form. In this variation of the Starbucks refresher, freeze-dried cranberries top the drink for a pop of color and crunchy edible garnish. All it takes is a few minutes to create this festive drink at home!

What Does it Taste Like?

This copycat Starbucks cranberry drink is an explosion of sweet-tart flavors, with the sweetness of cranberry juice cocktail balanced with the citrusy zing of blood orange syrup. When paired with creamy coconut milk, it becomes a rich yet refreshing experience that’s not too heavy. It’s like biting into a holiday fruit salad, only in drink form, with a touch of warmth and spice (if you choose to add them!).

Overall, this new Starbucks drink tastes like you’re sipping on a holiday dream. The cranberry and fruit juices perfectly complement one another, while the coconut milk adds a smooth finish to create a drink that’s light yet comforting. Each sip invites you to slow down and savor the season, whether you enjoy it as a holiday treat or a fun drink to bring a little cheer to your day.

Why You'll Love This Cran-Merry Drink

Get ready to fall in love with the holiday refresher of your dreams!

Easy to Make: This recipe is as quick as blinking–and way faster than a trip to Starbies! All you need is a few minutes of prep, and you’ll have a glass of delicious holiday cheer in the comfort of your own home.
Dreamy Holiday Flavors: The tart cranberry, citrusy blood orange, comforting coconut milk, and hint of warmth from optional warming spices capture the season's essence. Each sip feels like a mini holiday celebration!
Perfect Party Drink: Whether hosting a holiday get-together or relaxing with friends, this cranberry refresher will fit the vibe. Make a big batch of the base ahead of time and shake servings with coconut milk for instant festive drinks whenever the mood strikes!

Ingredients

Here is what you’ll need to bring this festive drink to life:

Cranberry Juice Cocktail - Choose a cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice for a slightly sweeter, smoother flavor. This juice gives the drink its classic cranberry taste while keeping it refreshing and balanced.
Blood Orange Syrup - Adds a unique, slightly berry-like flavor that elevates the drink. If you’re worried about where to find this unique juice, have no fear–it’s in most grocery stores!
Ice & Water - If possible, start with filtered water to avoid any chemical flavors.
Citric Acid - A small amount of citric acid brightens the drink and gives it an extra zing; a little goes a long way!
Sweetened Coconut Milk - Provides a rich, creamy texture that perfectly balances the tart and citrus flavors and adds an extra indulgent touch.
Fresh or Freeze-Dried Cranberries - Added as an edible topper to the drink for a fruity, chewy garnish that is as fun to look at as it is to eat!

Substitutions

Fancy an ingredient switch-up? Refer to the substitutions below to suit your dietary tastes and preferences:

Cranberry Juice Cocktail - Swap the cranberry juice cocktail 1:1 with pure pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice. This adds a slightly different tart flavor while keeping a refreshing base.
Blood Orange Syrup - Opt for regular orange syrup for a classic citrus flavor.
Water - For an extra refreshing taste and a bit of added sweetness, substitute with coconut water. Or swap 1:1 with brewed (and cooled) hibiscus tea for a fruity floral flavor.
Citric Acid - Replace with fresh lemon juice, starting with 1 teaspoon and adjusting to taste for the right level of tang.
Freeze-Dried Cranberries - Swap with pomegranate arils for juicy bursts of color, or dried cherries for a chewy texture and a hint of tartness. Fresh cranberries are also really great in this refresher!
Sweetened Coconut Milk - Choose an unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk if you prefer a lighter taste. Or feel free to swap with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free variation or whole milk if you prefer dairy.

How to Make a Cran-Merry Drink At Home

Sippable holiday cheer is mere moments away! Follow the directions below to craft your drink:

Step 1: Add all the refresher base ingredients into a large mason jar.

Step 2: Shake the refresher base up and store in the fridge.

Step 3: Mix ½ cup each of the Cran-Merry Refresher Base and coconut milk, stirring or shaking till combined with the chopped cranberries.

Step 4: Pour the diluted mixture over ice. Drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

This cran-merry drink is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few fun ideas to make it your own:

Caffeinated: For a gentle caffeine pick-me-up, add a splash of brewed green tea or yerba mate to the refresher base. The mild flavor won’t overpower the cranberry and citrus notes but adds a subtle energy boost.
Extra Tart: If you love a tart drink, omit the white grape juice and add ¼ cup of cranberry juice for a zingier variation.
Creamy: For a creamier drink, use full-fat coconut milk or whole dairy milk. This adds extra richness and creamy texture and flavor.
Iced or Blended: Blend the cran-merry drink with ice until smooth for a slushy, refreshing option. This version is fun for kids and especially great for warmer holiday gatherings!
Fizz: For a touch of sparkly fizz, top the drink off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda after shaking.
Cocktail: Turn this refresher into an adultified party by adding 1-2 ounces of vodka, rum, or your preferred spirit, or 3-4 ounces of prosecco or sparkling wine.

Serving Suggestions

Drinkable Party: Serve this refresher in a festive pitcher for easy pouring at your holiday parties and gatherings. It’s colorful and fun, and your guests will love the refreshing taste–both kids and adults will love it!
Cozy Afternoon: Pair a glass of cran-merry refresher with a light snack, like fresh fruit or holiday cookies for a cozy treat. It’s the ultimate indulgence for a chilly afternoon and might even inspire a round of holiday carols!
Christmas Morning: Start the festivities with a refreshing glass of holiday cheer! This drink is a great non-alcoholic option to sip alongside breakfast, setting the tone for a joyful day ahead.

Recipe Success Tips

Garnish. Use fresh or freeze-dried cranberries as a garnish to add a pop of color and an extra burst of tartness to each glass.
Shake, don’t stir. Shaking the drink in a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid helps blend the coconut milk with the refresher base to create a smooth, creamy texture without any separation.
Serve chilled. Chill the serving glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing experience. This is especially great for serving at parties, adding an elegant, frosty touch!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but I recommend just preparing the refresher base in advance. Prepare the refresher base as outlined in the recipe, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid for up to 1 week. Then simply add it to the coconut milk and ice and shake when you’re ready to serve!

Can I make a larger batch for a party?

Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredients for the refresher base (the recipe outlined makes 4 servings), then mix in the coconut milk and ice right before serving. You can even use a large pitcher or punch bowl for easy serving.

Can I turn this drink into a mocktail or cocktail?

Yes! Dress up this refresher by adding a splash of sparkling water for a little non-alcoholic mocktail fizz. Or add a shot of vodka, rum, or gin for a boozy version.

Nutritional Info

Each serving of this cran-merry drink contains around 147 calories, making it a light yet satisfying holiday refreshment. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, which clocks in at 31 grams per serving. This primarily includes natural sugars from the cranberry juice and orange syrup. In total, this amounts to about 27 grams of sugar per serving.

The drink also includes a small amount of protein, 1 gram per serving, and 3 grams of fat, both of which come from the coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a smooth, full, creamy texture that adds a luxurious touch to the drink. If you want a creamier texture with a higher fat content, use full-fat canned coconut milk.

Each serving of this cranberry refresher also contains a modest sodium content of 26 milligrams, mainly from the natural juices, which keeps the drink low in salt but still flavorful. Overall, this is a light and refreshing festive treat that adults and kids will enjoy during the holidays or any time of year!

Total nutritional content per serving is:

Calories: 147 calories
Total Fat: 3 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Sodium: 26 mg
Carbohydrates: 31 grams
Sugar: 27 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

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