Kat's Kitchen

Last holiday season, Starbucks released a brand-new drink called the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher — and it was instantly one of the most festive drinks on the menu. With its blend of sweet orange, tart cranberry, and a touch of warm spice, it was light, refreshing, and felt like sipping Christmas in a cup.

Sadly, Starbucks didn’t bring it back this year (cue collective heartbreak 💔). But don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. This homemade Cran-Merry Orange Refresher tastes just like the original — bright, citrusy, and perfectly spiced — and you can make it at home any time of year for a fraction of the cost.

Whether you’re mixing up a single serving for yourself or making a big batch for a holiday party, this drink is guaranteed to bring some merry to your day.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Pitcher, mason jars or heat-safe bottles for storage (the base makes about 40–42 oz)
• Large pot (6 quarts or more)
• Spatula
• Fine mesh strainer

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cran-Merry Orange Base (makes about 40 ounces)

• 3.5 cups fresh cranberries
• 3 cups cranberry juice (I like to use no sugar added or lite for lower sugar)
• 3 cups blood orange juice, fresh or bottled (or regular orange juice)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (or sugar-free substitute like allulose)
• 2–3 whole cloves (or ⅛ teaspoon ground)
• ¼ teaspoon ground/grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon green coffee bean powder (optional, for caffeine)
  • This doesn’t taste like anything, it just adds a boost of caffeine, just like the refresher from Starbucks

For the Refresher

• 6 ounces Cran-Merry Orange Base
• 6 ounces water, lemonade, or coconut milk
• Ice cubes
• Fresh or freeze-dried cranberries, for garnish

How to Make the Cran-Merry Orange Base

Combine the ingredients:
In a large pot, add cranberries, cranberry juice, blood orange juice, water, sugar, cloves, nutmeg, and (optional) green coffee bean powder. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil:
Heat over medium until it begins to bubble. The cranberries may pop — totally normal!

Simmer:
Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Strain:
Carefully pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heat-safe container, removing the solids and spices.

Cool and store:
Let cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then seal and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

How to Make the Refresher

Combine the Cran-Merry Orange Base and water (or lemonade or coconut milk) to a cocktail shaker or mason jar.

Add ice and a small handful of fresh or freeze-dried cranberries.

Shake until chilled, then pour into a glass and enjoy!

Variations

Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher

Use lemonade instead of water and shake until icy cold. Sweet, tangy, and so refreshing!

Cran-Merry Drink (Coconut Milk Version)

Instead of water, use coconut milk for a creamy, dreamy twist. It’s a little like a winter pink drink and tastes incredible.

Caffeine Options

Starbucks refreshers get their light buzz from green coffee extract. To make yours caffeinated:

• Add green coffee bean powder (this will NOT change the taste at all)
• Use unsweetened green tea instead of water (this will change the taste of the drink)

Make It Lower Sugar

• Use lite or unsweetened cranberry and orange juices
• Skip or replace sugar with allulose, monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol
• Use sugar-free lemonade or unsweetened coconut milk for mixing

Serving Tips

This drink is perfect for:

• Holiday parties or Thanksgiving gatherings
• A fun non-alcoholic drink for guests
• An afternoon pick-me-up with festive flair
• Big-batch make-ahead drinks for the week

More Starbucks Holiday Drinks To Try

• Starbucks Sugar Cookie Cold Foam
• Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte
• Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha
• Starbucks Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte
• Peppermint White Mocha

More Starbucks Refreshers Recipes:

• Starbucks Strawberry Açaí Refresher
• Starbucks Spicy Lemonade Refreshers
• Starbucks Summer Berry Refresher
• Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
• Starbucks Blackberry Sage Refresher