Thanksgiving Cranberry Spritzer

Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
• Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
• Ice

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the juices. In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the flavors are evenly blended. The cranberry juice provides a tart base, while the apple cider adds a hint of sweetness and the orange juice brings a bright citrus note.
2. Once the juices are mixed, set the pitcher aside. Just before serving, add the sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to the juice mixture. This is the step that brings the drink to life with its bubbly texture. For a lighter, less sweet option, use sparkling water. If you prefer a sweeter, more soda-like drink, opt for lemon-lime soda. Stir the mixture gently to combine, but avoid stirring too vigorously to preserve the bubbles.
3. Prepare the glasses by filling them with ice. Ice helps chill the spritzer quickly and adds a refreshing touch. Once the glasses are ready, pour the cranberry spritzer over the ice. Make sure to pour gently to avoid losing the bubbles.