The Red Queen cocktail brings together vibrant cranberry juice, floral elderflower liqueur and crisp gin for a drink that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for holiday celebrations, dinner parties or when you’re ready to mix something a little regal.

You might also like my Blueberry Gin Sour.

A Red Queen cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with cranberries, next to a bottle of Hendrick’s gin, a cocktail shaker and a bowl of fresh cranberries.

Meet the Red Queen Cocktail – a bold, ruby-red drink that looks fit for royalty. It combines crisp gin, tart cranberry juice and sweet elderflower liqueur for a beautifully balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and festive. Whether you’re hosting a party or mixing something special just for you, this cocktail is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why You Will Love This Cocktail

Simple but striking: Only a few ingredients, but the color and flavor deliver drama in every sip.
Seasonal perfection: Cranberry and elderflower make it perfect for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Easily customizable: Adjust the sweetness or add a splash of prosecco for a sparkling twist.
Make-ahead friendly: Mix the base in advance, then shake over ice when guests arrive.

Two ruby red Red Queen cocktails in coupe glasses garnished with cranberries, with a bottle of gin behind and extra cranberries on cocktail picks.

Don’t you think it should come with a little label saying ‘drink me’? Their whole aesthetic is very Alice in fact. And the Red Queen is a gorgeous ruby red which looks beautiful, capricious and just a little bit dangerous. This is a perfect festive cocktail – just the thing to get a party started!

Did you know? The Red Queen even had a pop culture moment – being served to Yor in Season 1, episode 24, The Role of a Mother and Wife / Shopping With Friends, of Spy X Family

An anime woman with long black hair and red eyes holds a glass of Red Queen cocktail near her face, looking down thoughtfully. She wears a white shirt, and brown curtains form the background.

Pictured above: Still from SPY×FAMILY Season 1 Episode 24, Screenshot via CBR
© Tats Endō / Shūeisha · CloverWorks / WIT Studio.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Gin – choose a floral or citrus-forward gin such as Hendrick’s to complement the elderflower.
Cranberry juice – use unsweetened for a tart balance, or sweetened for a softer drink.
Elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) – adds floral sweetness and depth.
Fresh lemon juice – brightens and balances the sweetness.
Simple syrup (optional) – You will need this if using unsweetened cranberry juice to balance the flavors.

A Red Queen gin cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with cranberries, with a bowl of fresh cranberries, a cocktail shaker and cranberries on cocktail picks.

How to Make the Red Queen

Place the glasses in the freezer or fill with ice to chill.
Fill your cocktail shaker with plenty of fresh ice. Add the cranberry juice, Hendrick’s gin, St Germain and lemon juice.
Shake hard until a frost forms on the shaker – about 30 seconds.
Have a taste and adjust – perhaps you want to add a bit more lemon?
Pour into chilled martini glasses and garnish with the fresh cranberries.

Lucy’s Pro Tip

Cranberry juice can vary greatly in flavor and most brands are actually using a juice blend and not 100% cranberries. Use your favorite brand and adjust the flavor as needed by adding simple syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice if the juice is on the sweet side.

A cranberry and elderflower gin cocktail in a coupe glass with a cranberry garnish, with a second cocktail and a shaker of ice in the background.

Have you made my Red Queen cocktail? Post a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #Nusde. I can’t wait to see your take on it!