Cranberry Moonshine

Looking for a homemade holiday drink that’s easy to make and always gets rave reviews? This delicious Cranberry Moonshine recipe combines cranberry juice, fresh cranberries, sugar, and alcohol to create a sweet-tart, festive flavor you can’t beat.

It’s the kind of holiday alcohol that makes a fantastic Christmas gift pretty, homemade, and packed with real cranberry taste. Bring a bottle to your next holiday party and it’ll be a hit every time, because the bright cranberry flavor and smooth, boozy finish have everyone coming back for another glass.

mason jar full of cranberry moonshine with cranberries in it. Lights in the background.

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Spunky Cranberry Moonshine

This cranberry moonshine makes a great group gift. I like to hand out flavored moonshines for Christmas gifts for my husband’s employees because I can make a large batch all at once, and they are so beautiful!

Cranberry Moonshine Ingredients

First assembled the following ingredients:

Cranberry juice – cranberry juice has a super sharp flavor that pairs well with the alcohol and makes this moonshine give drinks a sharp hit.
White sugar – you need sugar to balance out the intensity of the cranberry flavor.
Fresh Cranberries – fresh cranberries give this moonshine a beautiful look and a fresh intensity.
190 proof grain alcohol – I use everclear for this moonshine. It mixes well with the intensity of the cranberries.

Cranberry-infused moonshine in a mason jar.

Steps to make Cranberry Moonshine

Boil. Bring all the ingredients except the alcohol to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Don’t let it heat for a long time or else the fresh cranberries will split into cranberry sauce.

Sterilize Jars. Cover and remove from the heat, let it cool. Sterilize your jars and prepare them while you are waiting.

Mix and Label. Mix the alcohol into the cooled mixture. Label it into the prepared jars, label them with the date, and let them sit for 2 weeks to 6 months.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cranberry Moonshine

Everclear. We’re not actually sealing/canning the jars- just bringing all of the ingredients except the alcohol to a boil, letting it cool, and then adding them to sterile jars with Everclear. It is important to use Everclear for this recipe since it has such a high alcohol content. This helps keep everything from going bad!

Make Ahead. It’s best to make the moonshine ahead of time and let it sit, as the moonshine will sweeten and become more flavorful over time.

Alcoholic. Remember this moonshine is HIGHLY alcoholic- do not drive after drinking. It is not worth the risk- let’s keep the holidays happy! Please also keep well out of the reach of children. This is such an alcoholic drink it could be very dangerous if ingested by a child.

Favorite Recipes to Enjoy Alongside your Drink

Freezer Vegetable Soup

Southwest Cobb Salad with Creamy Cumin Dressing

Hamburger Cabbage Soup

Mummy Hot Dogs

Easy Almond Cake

10 Cozy Fall Breakfast Recipes You’ll Make All Season

Carne Asada Nachos

The Best Moist Zucchini Bread Ever

Click here to see my other Easy Drink recipes

Cranberry Moonshine FAQs

This makes for delicious cocktails when mixed with sprite, ginger ale, or tonic.

Yes but make sure its 190 proof so the mixture keeps well.

Yes. You can make a version using cranberry juice only, but you’ll lose some of the deep color and “real cranberry” texture that fresh cranberries bring.

Serve chilled in small glasses. It’s also delicious in:cranberry juice + soda
ginger ale cocktails with a splash of citrus

For the best quality, yes—store in the refrigerator after infusion.

Usually, yes. Straining removes solids and gives you a cleaner drink. Many people strain, then optionally bottle and chill.

Common choices are: Vodka (clean, lets cranberry shine) Everclear/neutral grain spirit (very strong, use carefully) Rum or bourbon (adds warm flavor).
Use a brand and proof you’re comfortable working with, and always follow safe dilution practices.

Questions

What can I mix this with for cocktails?

This makes for delicious cocktails when mixed with sprite, ginger ale, or tonic.

Can I substitute another alcohol for Everclear?

Yes but make sure its 190 proof so the mixture keeps well.

Can I make it without fresh cranberries?

Yes. You can make a version using cranberry juice only, but you’ll lose some of the deep color and “real cranberry” texture that fresh cranberries bring.

How should I serve it?

Serve chilled in small glasses. It’s also delicious in:cranberry juice + soda ginger ale cocktails with a splash of citrus

Do I need to refrigerate it?

For the best quality, yes—store in the refrigerator after infusion.

Should I strain the mixture?

Usually, yes. Straining removes solids and gives you a cleaner drink. Many people strain, then optionally bottle and chill.

What alcohol should I use?

Common choices are: Vodka (clean, lets cranberry shine) Everclear/neutral grain spirit (very strong, use carefully) Rum or bourbon (adds warm flavor). Use a brand and proof you’re comfortable working with, and always follow safe dilution practices.

Cranberry Moonshine