This Christmas Garland Cocktail looks like you went full Martha Stewart, but the freezer does the heavy lifting. Make the festive cranberry ice cubes ahead, then add pomegranate-cranberry juice and Prosecco when it’s time to toast. Want to skip the alcohol? Swap in seltzer and keep the holiday sparkle.

Christmas Garland Cocktail on a black cutting board on the counter

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 8–24 hours, until solid
Total Time: 5 minutes plus freezing
Servings: 1 drink

Garland Ice Cube Ingredients

orange slices
whole cranberries
fresh rosemary sprigs
star anise
cinnamon sticks
cranberry juice

Cocktail Ingredients

2 ounces pomegranate-cranberry juice blend
3-4 ounces Choice of Prosecco, Sparkling wine or Seltzer Water

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Arrange the orange slices, cranberries, rosemary, star anise, and cinnamon sticks in large ice cube molds.

Fresh orange slices arranged in a red silicone mold for easy serving or juice extraction.

Step 2: Pour cranberry juice into each mold, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for at least 8 hours, or until completely solid. Large cubes may need up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Place one frozen garland ice cube in a glass large enough to hold it comfortably.

Placing a garland ice cube into a tumbler glass on a black cutting board on the counter

Step 4: Add the pomegranate-cranberry juice, then top with Prosecco, sparkling wine, or seltzer water. Serve immediately.

The whole spices and rosemary sprigs are garnishes. Remove them as the ice melts rather than chewing or swallowing them.

🍋 Simply Made Suggestions

Make ahead: Prepare the garland ice cubes the day before so they’re frozen solid when guests arrive.
Keep it bubbly: Chill the juice and your chosen bubbly before serving, then pour each drink just before enjoying.
Make it a mocktail: Use plain sparkling water or lime seltzer instead of wine.
Change the flavor: Try a splash of pomegranate liqueur in the alcoholic version.
Serving children? Make separate cubes with juice and fruit, leaving out the whole spices and rosemary sprigs.

🎄 Before You Go…

Keep the holiday drinks easy with our Christmas Punch, or try a Bubbly Berry Mocktail for another alcohol-free option.

Christmas Garland Cocktail

Celebrate the holiday season with this festive-adorned cocktail.

Tara

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Equipment

Large Silicone Ice Cube Tray (standard ice cube tray can be used)

Ingredients

Festive Garland Ice Cubes

orange slices
whole cranberries
fresh rosemary sprigs
star anise
cinnamon sticks
1-2 oz cranberry juice cocktail

Cocktail Ingredients

2 oz pomegranate-cranberry juice
3-4 oz Choice of Prosecco, (Sparkling wine or Lime Seltzer Water)

Instructions

Arrange the orange slices, cranberries, rosemary, star anise, and cinnamon sticks in large ice cube molds.
Pour cranberry juice into each mold, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for at least 8 hours, or until completely solid. Large cubes may need up to 24 hours.
Place one frozen garland ice cube in a glass large enough to hold it comfortably.
Add the pomegranate-cranberry juice, then top with Prosecco, sparkling wine, or seltzer water. Serve immediately.
The whole spices and rosemary sprigs are garnishes. Remove them as the ice melts rather than chewing or swallowing them.