This cranberry orange ice cream soda is a creamy, tart drink inspired by vintage 1960s and 1970s recipes featuring cranberry juice, ginger ale, and orange juice concentrate.

You may also love my spiced cranberry sparkler and white Christmas punch recipes.

Two glasses of cranberry orange soda with ice cream.

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Cranberry Orange Creamsicle

This cranberry orange ice cream soda is a fun throwback to the 1960s and 1970s. The original idea came from an old cookbook and a vintage Ocean Spray recipe that paired cranberry juice with vanilla ice cream.

Some versions have orange juice and others use ginger ale. I decided to use both! The flavor reminds me of a tart creamsicle. It’s sweet, tangy, and creamy all at once.

You can make it as tart or sweet as you want. Use more of the cranberry orange mixture for a tart, citrusy drink, or add extra ice cream and ginger ale for a sweeter, creamier flavor.

Either way, it’s like an old fashioned soda fountain drink and feels right at home during the holiday season.

Orange slices on glasses of cranberry orange ice cream soda.

How to Make It

Here’s a quick snapshot explaining how I make these ice cream sodas. The full recipe, including instructions, is further down the page.

Combine cranberry juice and frozen orange juice concentrate in a blender until smooth. I usually use cranberry juice cocktail for a slightly sweeter taste, but 100% juice works great if you prefer it more tart.

Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and chill it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes so it’s extra cold.

Cranberry juice and orange concentrate poured in a blender.

Cranberry juice and orange concentrate mixed in a blender.

When you’re ready to serve, add scoops of vanilla ice cream to six tall glasses. Pour a little of cranberry orange mixture over the top, then slowly fill the rest of each glass with ginger ale.

The soda bubbles up, creating that creamy fizz you only get from an old-fashioned float. A little orange zest, an orange slice, or a few fresh cranberries make an easy festive presentation.

Cranberry and orange juice poured over ice cream.

Two glasses of cranberry and orange juice with ice cream.

Quick Tips

Chill everything first, especially the ginger ale, so the ice cream melts slower.
If you want less tart flavor, use more ice cream and ginger ale and less juice mixture.
Use orange sherbet instead of vanilla ice cream for a stronger creamsicle flavor.

Cranberry orange ice cream soda with fizz.

Make Ahead and Storage

These sodas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the cranberry orange base in advance.

Keep it covered in the fridge for up to two days and give it a quick stir before using. The mixture may separate slightly as it sits.

More Festive Drinks

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