What is in the under the mistletoe drink and how is it made?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

The Under the Mistletoe is a popular holiday cocktail first created at Big Bar in Chicago, featuring a refreshing blend of festive flavors. This cheerful concoction typically involves a mix of spirits, cranberry, and citrus, offering a delightful twist on classic seasonal ingredients.

Quick Summary

The festive Under the Mistletoe drink is a holiday cocktail with several variations, most notably a gin-based recipe with cranberry, orange, and club soda. Other versions feature vodka or sherry in a punch, often highlighting a mix of cranberry and spice for a balanced, seasonal flavor.

Key Points

Origin: The most famous 'Under the Mistletoe' drink is a gin cocktail originating from Big Bar in Chicago, featuring muddled cranberries and orange.
Core Ingredients: Key components often include gin, cranberry juice, citrus (like orange or lemon), simple syrup, and a sparkling element like club soda.
Popular Variations: Other interpretations use vodka with prosecco, spiced rum with Coca-Cola®, or a sherry and vermouth base for a large-batch punch.
Garnishes: Festive garnishes such as fresh cranberries, sugared rosemary sprigs, and orange wheels are common and add a celebratory touch.
Mocktail Option: A non-alcoholic version can be created by mixing cranberry and pomegranate juices with seltzer or substituting the alcohol in any recipe.
Customization: The drink is highly customizable, allowing you to choose a spirit and flavor profile that best suits your taste and occasion.

The Festive Foundation: What is in the Under the Mistletoe Drink?

The Under the Mistletoe drink is not defined by a single, rigid recipe, but rather a family of festive, holiday-themed cocktails. The most commonly cited version, originating from Big Bar in Chicago, combines London dry gin with muddled fresh cranberries, orange, and simple syrup, topped with cranberry juice and club soda for a vibrant and effervescent finish. The muddled fruit and syrup form a sweet and tangy base, creating a refreshing sipper perfect for holiday gatherings. The gin provides a botanical backdrop, while the sparkling soda lightens the entire drink, balancing the rich, fruity flavors. This particular mix is celebrated for its bright, balanced profile that captures the essence of the Christmas season without being overly heavy.

Popular Variations of the Under the Mistletoe

While the gin-based recipe is a well-known interpretation, the name 'Under the Mistletoe' inspires numerous other seasonal drink creations. These variations cater to different palates and party sizes, from individual servings to large-batch punches.

The Vodka and Prosecco Version

Some recipes swap the gin for vodka and add a touch of effervescence with Prosecco. This version often incorporates a homemade rosemary cranberry syrup, fresh orange juice, and a handful of pomegranate seeds for an extra festive flair. The result is a crisp, clean cocktail with herbal and fruity notes that can be prepped in batches and topped with sparkling wine just before serving.

Spiced Rum and Coca-Cola®

For those who prefer a deeper, spicier flavor, a recipe from Coca-Cola.com combines spiced rum, grenadine, orange, and Coca-Cola®. This drink is served over ice and garnished with skewered cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a warm, comforting holiday option.

The Large-Batch Holiday Punch

For larger parties, a popular punch recipe is ideal. This version, found on Epicurious, uses a spiced syrup infused with allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. This syrup is then mixed with sherry, vermouth, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. It is served in a punch bowl with citrus wheels, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks, making it both delicious and visually stunning for a crowd.

Making the Original Under the Mistletoe Gin Cocktail

Here is a simple breakdown of how to make the classic gin-based version.

Ingredients

2 oz London Dry Gin
2 oz Cranberry Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
3 oz Club Soda
7 Fresh Cranberries
2 Orange Slices
1 Thyme Sprig, for garnish

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cranberries, orange slices, and simple syrup to release the flavors.
Add the gin, cranberry juice, and ice to the shaker and shake vigorously.
Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and a few extra cranberries.

Comparison of Under the Mistletoe Drink Variations


Recipe Type	Base Spirit	Flavor Profile	Preparation Style
Original Gin Cocktail	London Dry Gin	Tart, citrusy, botanical, effervescent	Shaken, single serving
Vodka & Prosecco	Vodka	Crisp, clean, herbal (rosemary), fruity	Batched mix, topped with bubbly
Spiced Rum & Coke	Spiced Rum	Warm, sweet, spiced, cola-flavored	Built in glass, stirred
Holiday Punch	Sherry & Vermouth	Spiced, complex, wine-forward, batch	Infused syrup, stirred in bowl

A Non-Alcoholic Under the Mistletoe Mocktail

For a festive non-alcoholic option, you can easily create a delightful mocktail. A popular version combines cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and lime seltzer for a sparkling, tart flavor. You can also build on the original by simply omitting the gin and adding extra club soda, orange, and muddled cranberries. Garnish with a sugared rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries for a sophisticated finish that is perfect for all guests to enjoy.

Conclusion

From the classic gin-based cocktail to spicy rum versions and party-sized punches, the answer to "what is in the under the mistletoe drink" is that it's a versatile, holiday-inspired concept. By understanding the core flavor profiles of cranberry, orange, and festive herbs, you can create a drink that suits any gathering. Whether you opt for the effervescent gin cocktail, the sparkling Prosecco mix, or a non-alcoholic mocktail, the Under the Mistletoe drink is a guaranteed way to add cheer to your holiday season. The simple act of muddling fresh fruit and choosing your spirit is the beginning of a festive tradition.

For a detailed look at the original recipe, consider visiting Liquor.com for instructions on the popular Chicago version, which provides excellent insights into the cocktail's history and technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary flavor profile is a balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes, typically derived from muddled cranberries and orange, and often complemented by botanicals from gin or warm spices.

Yes, a popular large-batch punch recipe combines a spiced syrup (with allspice, cloves, and cinnamon) with sherry, vermouth, and cranberry and lemon juices, served in a punch bowl over ice.

You can substitute gin with vodka for a cleaner flavor, or with spiced rum for a warmer, richer profile. Some versions use sherry and vermouth for a wine-based drink.

To make a mocktail, you can mix cranberry and pomegranate juices with a lemon-lime seltzer or ginger beer. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a festive look.

Ideal garnishes include fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary or thyme, orange wheels, and sugared cranberries or rosemary for an extra-sparkly touch.

While the classic cocktail is served cold and effervescent, some variations, like a spiced holiday punch, can be served warm for a cozy, comforting holiday option.

London dry gin is typically recommended for the classic version, as its prominent juniper and dry, bracing flavor provide an excellent botanical base for the fruity and sparkling mixers.