Cran-Merry Orange Refresher Starbucks Copycat Recipe

Nothing says holiday joy quite like the combination of cranberry and orange. Tart, tangy, and perfectly sweet, this Cran-Merry Orange Refresher captures the essence of festive flavors in a light and refreshing drink. Inspired by Starbucks’ popular refreshers, this copycat recipe is easy to make and perfect for brightening any occasion.

What makes this refresher special is its versatility. The cranberry-orange base, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, provides a bold yet balanced flavor profile. You can easily customize the sweetness, spice level, and even the caffeine content to suit your preferences. Want a little energy boost? Add green coffee extract. Prefer a caffeine-free treat? Simply leave it out!

This recipe also uses freeze-dried or fresh cranberries for a fun, textured garnish that makes the drink as pretty as it is delicious. Paired with the vibrant blood orange syrup, the result is a stunning beverage that’s as suitable for holiday celebrations as it is for everyday sipping.

Ready to create your own Cran-Merry Orange Refresher? Let’s dive into this quick and simple recipe that’s sure to become your new seasonal favorite.

Cran-Merry Orange Refresher Starbucks Copycat Recipe

This Cran-Merry Orange Refresher combines cranberry, blood orange, and a touch of spice for a refreshing, Starbucks-inspired holiday drink. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sipping year-round.

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Course: Drinks

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Equipment

• Shaker filled with ice
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass for serving

Ingredients

For the Cran-Merry Cranberry Orange Base

• 1 cup cranberry juice ie Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup blood orange syrup store-bought or homemade
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon green coffee extract powder optional for caffeine

For the Refresher

• 1/2 cup Cranberry Orange Base see above
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup frozen or fresh cranberries can use freeze dried if available
• Ice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Base

• In a small bowl or jar, combine cranberry juice, water, blood orange syrup, cinnamon, cloves, and green coffee extract (if using).
• Stir or shake well to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.

Step 2: Assemble the Refresher

• Add ½ cup Cranberry Orange Base, ½ cup water, and ¼ cup freeze-dried or fresh cranberries to an ice-filled shaker.
• Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the drink.

Step 3: Serve

• Pour the entire mixture, including the ice and cranberries, into a glass.
• Garnish with additional cranberries or an orange slice, if desired.

Step 4: Adjust Sweetness

• Taste your refresher and adjust sweetness to your preference. Add more Cranberry Orange Base for a sweeter drink or dilute with additional water for a lighter flavor.

Notes

Notes and Tweaks

• Make Ahead: The Cranberry Orange Base can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes it easy to whip up a refresher on busy mornings or during a holiday gathering.
• Homemade Blood Orange Syrup: If you prefer a homemade option, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and ½ cup fresh blood orange juice in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes. Cool and store in a sealed container.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and cloves to suit your taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra festive twist.
• Non-Alcoholic Punch: Multiply the recipe to create a non-alcoholic holiday punch. Serve in a large pitcher with sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
• Caffeinated Version: Add green coffee extract for a gentle caffeine boost. Alternatively, you can steep a bag of green tea in the water before mixing the drink.
• Presentation Tip: Serve in a clear glass to showcase the vibrant cranberry-red color and the floating cranberries.
• Low-Calorie Option: Substitute sugar-free cranberry juice and a low-calorie syrup to reduce the calorie count while maintaining flavor.

With these tweaks, your Cran-Merry Orange Refresher becomes even more versatile, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the bright, festive flavors in every sip!

Enjoy your Cran-Merry Refresher all year round! If you love cranberry, it would make a fantastic summer drink for on the patio too. Who says cranberries can only be enjoyed during the holiday season?