What is cranberry juice cocktail?
Cranberry juice cocktail is a blended juice drink made from cranberry juice, water, and sweeteners. Unlike pure cranberry juice, which is 100% juice, cranberry juice cocktail is only about 27% cranberry juice. The rest is water and added sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup or sugar. This dilutes the natural tart flavor of cranberry juice to make it more palatable as a beverage. The term “cocktail” refers to the blending of cranberry juice with other ingredients.
Why is it called a cocktail?
There are a few reasons why this cranberry juice blend is referred to as a “cocktail” rather than just cranberry juice:
It’s a mix of ingredients
Cocktails are generally a combination of ingredients, not just a single one. Since cranberry juice cocktail mixes cranberry juice with water and sweeteners, it fits the definition of a cocktail blend. Calling it a cocktail differentiates it from pure, 100% cranberry juice.
It originated as a mixed drink
Some sources suggest that cranberry juice cocktail was first created and marketed as a non-alcoholic drink to imitate mixed cocktails, which blended various ingredients. The “cocktail” name stuck even after it evolved into a standalone beverage.
It has a lower juice percentage
Beverages with a lower percentage of actual juice are sometimes referred to as “[juice] cocktails” rather than straight juice. For example, you’ll see terms like pineapple cocktail or orange cocktail for juice blends. So the cocktail designation signals the diluted juice content in cranberry cocktail.
History of cranberry juice cocktail
To understand why cranberry juice cocktail isn’t 100% juice, it’s helpful to look at the history:
1930s: Cranberry juice cocktail invented
Cranberry juice cocktail is believed to have been first invented in the 1930s. Before this time, pure cranberry juice was very tart and not widely consumed. Ocean Spray developed cranberry juice cocktail as a more drinkable blended juice product.
1960s: Cocktail gained popularity
Cranberry juice cocktail didn’t become popular until the 1960s. Demand grew thanks to marketing campaigns promoting cranberry juice for urinary health. Sweeter cranberry cocktail was more appealing than bitter straight cranberry juice.
Present day: Widely available and consumed
Today, cranberry juice cocktail is widely available and consumed, especially during holiday meals. It outsells 100% cranberry juice, likely because the sweeter taste suits more people’s preferences. The tartness of pure cranberry juice limits its mainstream popularity.
Nutrition comparison
Here is a nutrition comparison between 12oz of cranberry juice cocktail and pure cranberry juice:
| Nutrient | Cranberry Cocktail (12oz) | Cranberry Juice (12oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 138 |
| Total Carbs | 33g | 31g |
| Sugars | 30g | 23g |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV | 90% DV |
| Vitamin E | 4% DV | 15% DV |
The key differences:
– Cranberry cocktail has more added sugars.
– Cranberry cocktail has less vitamin C and vitamin E.
– Calories are similar between both types.
So in terms of nutrition, pure cranberry juice packs more vitamin C and E, with less added sugar. But cocktail has a more drinkable sweetness.
Making your own cranberry juice cocktail
It’s easy to make a DIY version of cranberry cocktail at home by diluting pure cranberry juice with water and sweetener:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pure cranberry juice
– 3 cups water
– 1/4 cup sugar or honey
Instructions:
1. Add 1 cup of cranberry juice to a pitcher.
2. Add 3 cups of water to dilute the juice.
3. Add 1/4 cup of sweetener like sugar or honey. Adjust to taste preferences.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Serve over ice.
The benefit of making it yourself is controlling the amount of added sugars. Store-bought cranberry juice cocktails can have up to 30g of added sugars per serving.
Uses for cranberry juice cocktail
Because of its sweetened taste, cranberry juice cocktail is more versatile to use in recipes and beverages than unsweetened cranberry juice. Here are some ways to use it:
Holiday meals
Cranberry sauce and cranberry cocktail are holiday staples, pairing well with roast turkey, ham and gravy.
Cocktail mixer
The sweet flavor lends itself well to festive cocktails. Combine with spirits like vodka or gin for cranberry-flavored mixed drinks.
Smoothies
Add cranberry cocktail to fruit and yogurt smoothies for a tart kick.
Over ice
Pour over ice for an easy anytime drink. Customize with lime, mint or fruit like oranges or berries.
Baked goods
Use cranberry cocktail in muffins, cookies or bars for moisture and tart flavor.
Glazes and sauces
Whisk together with spices and sweetener for a quick glaze for chicken, pork or baked ham.
Should you buy cranberry juice cocktail or 100% cranberry juice?
Which one you choose comes down to taste preference and your nutrition goals:
Buy cranberry cocktail if you…
– Prefer a sweeter, more drinkable juice.
– Will use it for baking/cooking. The sweetness balances out other ingredients.
– Don’t mind the added sugars. Cranberry cocktail can have up to 30g sugars per serving.
Buy 100% cranberry juice if you…
– Prefer a tart, strong cranberry taste.
– Are watching your sugar intake – no added sugars.
– Want the vitamin C and antioxidant benefits. Higher amounts than cranberry cocktail.
– Don’t mind the bitter taste. Many find pure cranberry too sour or strong on its own.
No matter which you choose, cranberry juice delivers antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenol compounds. Just be aware of added sugars in cranberry cocktail. Check labels and opt for low sugar versions when possible. Making your own cocktail at home lets you control the sweetness level too.
Conclusion
Cranberry juice cocktail has a blended, diluted juice content rather than being 100% cranberry juice. The term “cocktail” refers to the mixing of cranberry juice with water and sweeteners. This was originally done in the 1930s to create a more drinkable and palatable cranberry juice product. The result is a sweeter, less tart beverage than pure cranberry juice. While lower in nutrients than 100% juice, cranberry cocktail is versatile to use in recipes, drinks, baking and more due to its sweetness. When buying cranberry juice cocktail, be mindful of added sugars on the label. Or make your own version at home so you can control the sweetness level.