Tipsy Reindeer is a festive cranberry vodka slush that is icy cold, lightly sweet and perfect for holiday parties. Made with crushed ice, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and vodka, this Christmas cocktail is easy to make and even easier to sip.

Cranberry vodka slush cocktail with cranberry and mint garnish.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry vodka slush is tart, refreshing and lightly sweet with a smooth icy texture that feels extra festive.
It is quick to make by the glass or pitcher and perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings or winter celebrations.
Simple ingredients come together for a festive red cocktail that looks great on a holiday drink table.

Ingredients for Tipsy Reindeer Cocktail

Crushed ice
Cranberry juice
Simple syrup
Fresh lime juice
Vodka

Garnishes

Honey
Granulated Sugar
Fresh Cranberries or Sugared Cranberries
Fresh Mint
Lime Wheels

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How to Make Tipsy Reindeer Cranberry Vodka Slush

Pouring cranberry juice into a mixing glass.

Crush ice in a blender (or try this manual ice shaver). To a mixer glass, pour in cranberry juice, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and vodka. Give it a quick stir.

Making a sugar rim garnish for martini glass.

Pour a couple of tablespoons of honey into a shallow bowl and sugar into another bowl.

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Dip the rim of each glass in honey and then roll in sugar to create a sugared rim.

Cranberry Juice and vodka slush cocktail.

Spoon crushed ice into each glass and pour over cranberry mixture.

Cranberry slush cocktail with cranberry and mint garnish.

Garnish with cranberries, mint sprigs or lime wheels.

Serving Ideas

Tipsy Reindeer is perfect for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, cookie exchanges or New Year’s Eve. It pairs well with appetizers, party dips and sweet holiday treats.

If you make this Tipsy Reindeer cranberry vodka slush, leave a comment and star rating below. I love hearing how you serve it for the holidays.

Cranberry vodka cocktail with crushed ice in martini glasses.

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Tipsy Reindeer

Tipsy Reindeer is a festive cranberry vodka slush made with crushed ice, lime juice and simple syrup. An easy make ahead holiday cocktail.

Prep Time5

Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas cocktails, cranberry vodka slush

Servings:

Calories: 272kcal

Author: Milisa

Ingredients

8 ounces Cranberry Juice Cocktail
2 ounces simple syrup see notes for instructions
1 ounce lime juice
4 ounces vodka
2 cups crushed ice
honey optional for rim garnish
granulated sugar optional for rim garnish
cranberries, fresh mint or lime wheels optional for garnish

Instructions

Using a mixer glass, pour in cranberry juice, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and vodka. Give it a quick stir.
Pour a couple of tablespoons of honey into a shallow bowl and sugar into another bowl.
Dip the rim of each glass in honey and then roll in sugar to create a sugared rim.
Spoon crushed ice into each glass and pour over cranberry mixture.
Garnish with cranberries, mint sprigs or lime wheels.

Notes

Simple Syrup: Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup boiling water, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few weeks.

You can blend Tipsy Reindeer ahead of time and store it in the freezer. Before serving, give it a quick stir or reblend to bring back the slushy texture.

For a lighter version, swap vodka for cranberry flavored vodka. Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. Turn it into a mocktail by skipping the alcohol and adding sparkling water just before serving.

Double as Needed – for a pitcher cocktail – multiply ingredients by 4 – 6.