Name: New Year’s Eve Rum Berry Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 60 ml (2 oz) dark rum; 30 ml (1 oz) berry cordial or grenadine; 60 ml (2 oz) cranberry juice; Juice of 1/2 lime; Lemonade (to top up); Ice cubes; Fresh cranberries and lime slices (for garnish, optional)

Why You’ll Love New Year’s Eve Rum Berry Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail is both refreshing and indulgent. The pomegranate juice gives it a rich, deep fruitiness while the spiced rum and ginger beer add warmth and a gentle kick. Frozen mixed berries double as “ice cubes,” keeping the flavour intense and the drink beautifully chilled — plus they’re fun to eat afterwards. It’s quick to assemble (about 5 minutes) and serves multiple people, making it perfect for parties or cozy celebrations at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

90 ml spiced rum
510 ml 100% pomegranate juice (not the diluted kind)
30 ml Cointreau
240 ml spiced ginger beer
250 g frozen mixed berries
Ice (optional)
90 g fresh raspberries
A few sprigs of fresh thyme

Directions

Pour the spiced rum, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, and spiced ginger beer into a large jug. Stir well to combine.
Half fill 4–6 glasses with the frozen mixed berries (add ice too if you prefer extra chill).
Pour the cocktail mixture over the berries.
Top each glass with some fresh raspberries and a sprig of fresh thyme before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 glasses
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Total time: about 5 minutes

Variations

For a non‑alcoholic version, you could replace the spiced rum and Cointreau with extra pomegranate juice and perhaps a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer.
If you don’t have spiced rum, a dark or white rum may also be used — though the flavour will shift slightly.
For citrus lovers: add a squeeze of lime or a twist of orange peel for extra brightness.
Swap the raspberries for other fresh fruit (e.g. blueberries or strawberries) based on what you have.

Storage/Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover mixture without ice/berries, you can refrigerate it in a sealed jug for up to 24 hours. Before serving, stir gently, add fresh ice or frozen berries, and garnish as directed. Do not store with berries already in the glasses — they will degrade when left too long.

FAQs

What kind of rum works best?

Spiced rum gives the cocktail warmth and depth, but you can use a dark or white rum if that’s what you have — just expect a slightly different flavour profile.

Can I make this cocktail non‑alcoholic?

Yes. Replace the spiced rum and Cointreau with extra pomegranate juice (or a splash of orange juice) and top up with ginger ale or ginger beer for fizz.

What is spiced ginger beer?

It’s a stronger, more aromatic version of ginger beer — often described as “fiery.” If you can’t find spiced ginger beer, regular ginger beer (or even ginger ale, though milder) can work.

Why use frozen berries instead of ice?

Frozen berries chill the drink without diluting it, and they add a pretty, festive look. Plus — bonus — you get to eat them at the end.

Can I prepare the cocktail ahead of time?

Yes — you can mix the liquid ingredients (rum, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, ginger beer) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add berries and garnish just before serving for best results.

What glasses are best for serving?

Any standard cocktail or highball-style glasses work. Glasses that show off the berries and colour — like clear tall ones — enhance the presentation.

Is there a substitute for Cointreau?

A similar orange liqueur works fine; if you prefer non‑alcoholic or don’t have liqueur, you could use a splash of orange juice or omit entirely (though flavour balance changes slightly).

Can I use fresh instead of frozen berries?

Yes — fresh berries work, but they won’t keep the drink as chilly or have the same “ice‑cube” effect. You might want to add regular ice instead.

How many calories does one glass have?

Approximately 207 kcal per glass (based on one of four servings).

What occasions is this cocktail suitable for?

This cocktail is great for New Year’s Eve, holiday parties, celebrations, dinner gatherings or any time you want a festive, fruity drink that’s easy to make and crowd-pleasing.

Conclusion

The New Year’s Eve Rum Berry Cocktail is a festive, flavorful, and simple drink that combines juicy pomegranate, spiced rum, ginger beer, and berries in a way that’s perfect for parties or cozy celebrations alike. Quick to prepare and visually striking, it’s ideal for serving a group — or treating yourself to a special drink. Its fruity sweetness with a gentle kick makes it easy to enjoy, and with a few small tweaks or substitutions you can adapt it to your taste or occasion.