The Sugar Berry Spritz: A Sparkling Holiday Mocktail

Today is the 12th and final day of the 12 Days of Holiday Mocktails Countdown! We had a blast sharing some of our favorite seasonal mocktails with you and knew we needed to end with a BANG. 

The holidays are the perfect time to sip on something sparkling and special, and the Sugar Berry Spritz delivers on every level! 

This gorgeous mocktail combines white cranberry juice, elderflower syrup, and a splash of vanilla for a light, refreshing holiday beverage you'll want to carry into every other season. What's FUN about this one is that we incorporated a fruit that we've never tried before—PINEBERRIES!

Now, at first glance, I thought this was a variety of strawberry...and it is...kinda.

The Difference Between Pineberries and Strawberries
Pineberries may look like pale, unripe strawberries, but these two berries have distinct differences that make them both unique and delightful.

Let’s break it down:

1. Appearance: Pineberries are white to pale pink in color, with red seeds dotting their surface. Their lighter hue gives them an elegant, frosty appearance, making them a standout choice for garnishing drinks like the Sugar Berry Spritz. || Strawberries are vibrant red with yellow seeds. Their bold color is what we traditionally associate with sweet, ripe berries.
   
   
2. Flavor: Pineberries, true to their name, have a unique flavor that's thought to blend the sweetness of strawberries with subtle pineapple notes. This tropical twist, which we LOVE, makes them a refreshing and slightly tangy alternative to regular strawberries. || Classic strawberries have a juicy, sweet flavor with a mild tartness. They are more universally familiar and widely used in desserts and beverages.
   
   
3. Origin: Pineberries are a specialty fruit, originally derived from a white strawberry variety native to South America. They’ve gained popularity for their novelty and unique taste. || Strawberries are one of the most common fruits globally and come in multiple varieties cultivated for their sweetness, size, and bright color.
   
   
4. Availability: Pineberries are rare and often considered a delicacy. They’re typically available seasonally and may be found at specialty markets or farms. (I found mine at a local farmer's market in Fayetteville, NC called Pate's.) || Strawberries are readily available year-round and are a staple in grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and home gardens.
   
   
5. Uses: With their unique appearance and flavor, pineberries are a stunning choice for decorative garnishes, cocktails, or as a fun addition to fruit platters. They’re particularly great for elevating festive recipes like mocktails or desserts. || Strawberries are incredibly versatile and commonly used in smoothies, desserts, jams, and as toppings for cereals, oatmeal, and salads.

To summarize it all up, pineberries and strawberries may share some similarities, but their differences make each one special. While strawberries are a familiar favorite, pineberries are a rare and exciting treat that bring a touch of novelty to any dish or drink. If you’re looking to impress your guests this holiday season, consider using pineberries for their unique look and tropical flavor.

Pro Tip: For the Sugar Berry Spritz, pineberries not only add a pop of visual interest but also complement the elderflower syrup and vanilla with their light and tropical taste. Cheers to trying something new!

What Makes the Sugar Berry Spritz Perfect for the Holidays?

• Its festive flavors: When's the last time you combined white cranberry juice and elderflower syrup? That combination creates a fruity yet floral base that’s elevated with a touch of vanilla warmth.
• Visual Appeal: The snowy sugar rim and eye-catching garnishes of pineberries and mint make this drink a subtle stunner.
• Versatility: Mocktail or cocktail, the Sugar Berry Spritz is easily customizable for guests. Keep it alcohol-free or add elderflower liqueur or vodka for a festive twist!

In just 5-7 minutes of prep time, you can create a drink that looks like it came from a high-end bar.

Let's Make It!

What You’ll Need:

• White Cranberry Juice - 2 cups
• Elderflower Syrup - 1.5 oz
• Vanilla Syrup or Extract - Just a splash!
• Sweetened Lime Juice *Optional - Just a splash!
• Club Soda - Just a splash for the fizz
• Sugar to rim the glasses
• Pineberries and Mint for garnish
• Ice

Grab your shaker and add ice, your white cranberry juice, elderflower syrup, and vanilla extract. Shake it like a Polaroid picture for 20-30 seconds to blend the flavors.

*No shaker? No problem! Simply add equal amounts of each ingredient into your glasses and stir well. Don't forget to add sugar to your rim first!

Prepare your glasses by adding a sprinkle of sugar on a plate. Use a small amount of elderflower or vanilla syrup to moisten the rims of your glasses, then roll them in the sugar to create a frosted, snowy look.

Assemble the mocktail by adding ice to your glasses. Then, pour the shaker contents evenly between them. Top with club soda, leaving room for the garnish.

To garnish, add pineberries and a sprig of fresh mint to each glass for a festive finish.

Watch Us Make It
It'll only take two minutes: WATCH HERE

If you've never tried pineberries before, I recommend trying them in an approachable way such as adding them to a drink! The floral notes of elderflower, combined with the subtle sweetness of white cranberry juice and the refreshing fizz of club soda, make it the perfect holiday sip.

We can't wait to hear your review of pineberries and the Sugar Berry Spritz. Tag us on social media when you try them and use #SugarBerrySpritz and #TheMoxxBox !