Learn how to make fancy Christmas ice for the most festive holiday drinks. Cranberry ice cubes made with fresh cranberries and rosemary are fun to make and enjoy. This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you shop through them. 

Two red holiday drinks in coupe glasses with cranberry ice cubes on a marble counter with twinkle lights in the background.

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to add a touch of elegance to your gatherings than with Cranberry Christmas IceOur Snow Globe Cocktails with frozen rosemary trees were such a hit that we had to share another Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail with you. 

These stunning cranberry-infused ice cubes are not just functional; they’re decorative, festive, and easy to make. Whether hosting a holiday party or sipping something special by the fireplace, these fancy ice cubes make your dinks magical.

Why Cranberry Christmas Ice is a Must for the Holidays

What could be more festive than sparkling ice cubes studded with bright cranberries and sprigs of fragrant rosemary floating in your favorite drink? These gorgeous cubes:

  • Keep your beverages chilled without diluting the flavor.
  • Add a burst of holiday color to any drink.
  • Complement a variety of beverages, from sparkling water to Champagne.
  • They are fun to make and to use!

This recipe is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for mocktails, cocktails, or even kids’ party drinks. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests with minimal effort.

Two Christmas drinks with fancy cranberry ice cubes with fresh cranberries and rosemary.

What You’ll Need 

  • Ice Cube Trays: large silicon ice cube trays work best. 
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Rosemary sprigs 
  • Cranberry juice 

Drinks That Pair Perfectly with Cranberry Christmas Ice

A can of poppi cranberry fizz prebiotic soda on a marble counter with a small potted Christmas tree in the background.

Cranberry Christmas Ice is the ultimate drink accessory. Here are a few beverages to try:

  • Sparkling Water: Simple, refreshing, and kid-friendly.
  • Poppi Soda: A healthy twist with prebiotic benefits—cranberry or ginger lime flavors are ideal!
  • Champagne: The fizz mingles beautifully with the cranberry and rosemary for an elegant holiday toast. Try a Poinsettia cocktail. 
  • Cocktails or Mocktails: Think cranberry mules or gin spritzers with a festive flair.

 Beautiful food photography of two coupe glasses with gold rims filled with a red holiday mocktail drink with large cranberry ice cubes in the middle of the drinks. They sit on a marble counter with sparkly small potted tree in the background.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Ice Cubes

  1. Use Quality Cranberry Juice: Opt for 100% cranberry or unsweetened cranberry juice for vibrant color and flavor.
  2. Play with Shapes: Silicone trays come in fun shapes—try stars or spheres for an extra festive touch. The 2-inch cube trays we use are linked in the recipe card below. 
  3. Experiment with Add-ins: Swap rosemary for thyme or add a slice of orange, kumquat, or pomegranate seeds. 

FAQ About Cranberry Christmas Ice

Can I make these ice cubes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cubes can be made up to a week in advance. Store them in a sealed freezer bag to prevent them from absorbing any freezer odors.

Can I use other juices?
Yes! Pomegranate juice or a cranberry-apple blend works beautifully if you want to mix up the flavors. You can even use orange juice to make mimosa ice cubes. 

What if I don’t have large ice cube trays?
Standard ice cube trays work, too, but larger cubes are ideal for slower melting and more visual impact.

Can I skip the rosemary?
Of course! The rosemary adds a festive, fragrant touch, but it’s optional. You can also substitute other herbs like mint or thyme.

Yield: 8 (2") cubes

Christmas Cranberry Ice Cubes

Prep Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes

These festive Christmas ice cubes are the perfect addition to your holiday drinks! Made with cranberry juice, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs, they add a burst of seasonal color and flavor to any beverage. Whether serving Christmas cocktails or mocktails, these cranberry ice cubes elevate your drinks with holiday cheer. Quick and easy to make, they’re a must-have for your next party or cozy night in.

A large cranberry ice cube made with whole fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, and rosemary in a coupe glass filled with a Christmas drink.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, trimmed to fit your ice cube tray
  • Sparkling water, Champagne, or other beverage for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ice Cube Trays: Fill each cube tray compartment halfway with cranberry juice.
  1. Add Garnishes: Place three cranberries and a small sprig of rosemary into each compartment. Adjust as needed to fit. Top off with more juice if needed. Cranberry juice is poured into a red silicon large ice cube mold with cranberries and rosemary to make cranberry ice.
  2. Freeze: Place your filled tray into the freezer until cranberry ice cubes have solidified, 4-6 hours (depending on size) or overnight.
  3. Serve: Pop the frozen cubes into your glass and top with your favorite holiday beverage!

Notes

  • Cranberry ice cubes can be made up to a week in advance. Once frozen, store in an airtight container such as a freezer bag.
  • You can use any ice cube tray you like. Larger ice cubes will melt more slowly. 2-inch cubes work well for festive drinks.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 cube
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 33Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 0g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.