A Bright and Cranberry Forward Fizzy Twist on the Classic Tom Collins Cocktail for Christmas and Holiday Celebrations!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Some of my favorite ideas come from evenings where we stay home, keep things simple, and enjoy a little seasonal fun without spending much.
Tonight my husband and I wanted a budget friendly date night as we’re on baby step 2 of our debt free journey and every penny saved really helps.
So we made garlic bread doughballs, picked a festive movie, and mixed a cocktail that turned out far better than either of us expected. It felt like the perfect December drink, so I knew I had to write it up while it was fresh!
We built this cocktail around the Cranberry Simple Syrup I had made recently – it’s one of our favourites. The color is gorgeous and it pairs beautifully with the brightness of fresh lemon juice.
We used our bottle of Military Special gin from the Class Six – which definitely leans toward the budget side, but it works perfectly in mixed drinks. Just make sure you grab a dry gin like a London gin, that makes all the difference.
Everything blends into a refreshing and festive little Collins style drink that instantly feels cheerful. My husband insisted on maraschino cherries because they are his favorite and they add such a cute touch, and of course we added the flag for a little extra patriotic flair!
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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This Festive Holiday Collins has the bright lemon flavor of a classic Tom Collins with a cranberry twist that feels perfect for winter. It is such an easy cocktail for a cozy November or December evening at home.
Simple ingredients, low stress, and a little sparkle without spending much at all.
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So grab your prettiest cocktail glass and let’s make this fantastic seasonal cocktail together – don’t forget to check out the video which I’ll leave in the recipe card for you!
Equipment
- Shot glass measure
- Tall Collins glass or any highball or tall glass (I used our favorite root beer float glasses)
- Long spoon for stirring
- Cocktail shaker – optional for a professional touch!
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Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail
- 2 oz dry gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 half ounce cranberry simple syrup
- 3 oz club soda to top
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step one: Fill your glass with ice.
Step two: Pour in the gin.
Step three: Add the cranberry simple syrup.
Step four: Add the fresh lemon juice.
Step five: Stir well so everything mixes together.
Step six: Top with club soda.
Step seven: Give it one last gentle stir.
Step eight: Drop in one or two maraschino cherries and enjoy right away or a skewer or flag with maraschinos on it – whatever you like really!
Notes & Troubleshooting
Notes:
- Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor and keeps the drink tasting crisp, but bottle lemon juice like I used is lovely too and easier to keep on hand in the pantry.
- Homemade cranberry simple syrup gives a deeper color and nicer balance, but store bought works if you need it fast.
- Any dry gin blends well here, including budget friendly brands.
Troubleshooting:
- If the drink tastes too tart, add a tiny splash of extra syrup.
- If it leans too sweet, add a small squeeze of lemon to bring the balance back.
- If the color looks pale, your syrup may need a slightly longer simmer next time.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. You can mix the gin, lemon juice, and cranberry syrup in advance and chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours. Add the club soda only when serving.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with garlic bread,, nibbles, or a simple movie night snack board.
- Make a few glasses for a small December get together.
- Add fresh cranberries or a rosemary sprig if you want a little holiday moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Bright, refreshing, and quick.
- Perfect for budget friendly winter date nights.
- Pretty cranberry color that feels instantly festive.
- Easy ingredients you probably already have.
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the gin with extra club soda or a small splash of ginger ale.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
You can. It creates a slightly different flavor but still works nicely.
Can I use tonic water instead of club soda?
Yes, though the drink will be noticeably more bitter.
Do I have to use homemade cranberry syrup?
No. Store bought syrup works fine. Homemade syrup simply gives a richer color and flavor and is easier on the budget!
The Perfect Festive Holiday Collins Cocktail!
November 26, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Pour in the gin.
- Add the cranberry simple syrup.
- Add the fresh lemon juice.
- Stir well so everything mixes together.
- Top with club soda.
- Give it one last gentle stir.
- Drop in one or two maraschino cherries and enjoy right away or a skewer or flag with maraschinos on it – whatever you like really!
Video
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor and keeps the drink tasting crisp, but bottle lemon juice like I used is lovely too and easier to keep on hand in the pantry.
- Homemade cranberry simple syrup gives a deeper color and nicer balance, but store bought works if you need it fast.
- Any dry gin blends well here, including budget friendly brands.
Storage
- This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh.
- You can mix the gin, lemon juice, and cranberry syrup in advance and chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours.
- Add the club soda only when serving.
Related Recipes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This little Collins style drink is bright, simple, and perfect for cozy winter evenings at home. It brings a cheerful flavor boost to date nights without pushing your budget!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this cocktail becomes your seasonal date night favorite, share it with someone who loves a cute winter drink as much as we do!
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
