Christmas Cranberry Mocktail or Cocktail

Being in the festive spirit and noticing the fresh cranberries available...I started wondering what I kind of drink I could possibly make.  I trolled Pinterest, but everything looked hard and required way too many weird liquors.  Watching an old episode of Ina inspired me.  These are festive and taste GREAT!

Tips I learned when making a Christmas Cranberry Mocktail/Cocktail:

• Put a spoon in your glass when adding ice and liquid. It will prevent the ice from sticking together.
• Add a green sugar rim to make festive. You can find green sugar in your baking aisle.

Christmas Cranberry Mocktail/Cocktail

1 cup of fresh cranberries

1/2 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of water

Sprite Zero or Diet 7UP

Ice

Apple Vodka (if making cocktail)

Combine sugar and water in sauce pan over medium heat. Add all cranberries but 2.  Allow to simmer or boil very slowly until cranberries begin to burst.  Once all cranberries are burst, continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and slightly mash berries to make a syrupy liquid.  Allow to cool.  Add 1 teaspoon of the cranberry mixture to tall glass.  (Add apple vodka to taste and mix if making cocktail.)  Add ice to the rim and fill with soda.  Add the 2 fresh berries on top to garnish.  Serve immediately.