As the holiday season approaches, brands are rolling out festive snacks and drinks earlier than ever. From tree-shaped Twizzlers to Chips Ahoy! Bringing back their Hot Cocoa Chewy Cookies after eight years, there’s no shortage of treats this season. But only a holiday would be complete with one fan-favorite soda that returns yearly: Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry.
A Holiday Tradition: Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry
Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry debuted in 2019, replacing the classic Sprite Cranberry, a seasonal favorite for six years. The new version added a warm spice to the tart cranberry flavor, transforming the classic lemon-lime soda into a festive holiday beverage.
From the moment it hit the shelves, it became an instant favorite. Every year since its launch, it has sold out quickly, with fans clamoring to get their hands on it.
Fans might have been slightly worried this year after Coca-Cola discontinued its Spiced Coca-Cola variant earlier in 2024. However, Sprite fans can rest easy knowing that Winter Spiced Cranberry is making its comeback.
The holiday staple will be available in both the regular version and the Zero Sugar option, allowing everyone to enjoy this seasonal favorite in their preferred way.
Availability and Packaging
Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry will be available nationwide for those who want to ensure they have enough for holiday celebrations. Whether you prefer cans or bottles, the seasonal soda will be found at major retailers, so you can easily stock up.
The regular and Zero Sugar versions will be sold, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spiced cranberry goodness throughout the holiday season.
A Rising Trend: Cranberry in Lemon-Lime Sodas
Sprite isn’t the only lemon-lime soda brand jumping on the cranberry bandwagon this holiday season. PepsiCo has also joined in with a cranberry-infused twist. Their Starry soda, which replaced Sierra Mist, is introducing a unique Cranberry Starry flavor this year.
However, there’s a catch for those eager to try it. The cranberry version of Starry will only be available at KFC restaurants, alongside other limited-edition cranberry drinks like Cranberry Pepsi and Cranberry Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning.
Holiday Mocktails and Cocktails
The versatility of cranberry-flavored sodas like Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry makes them perfect for more than just sipping. Whether you’re looking to craft a festive mocktail for a family-friendly event or a holiday cocktail for a grown-up gathering, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is an ideal ingredient.
Its sweet-tart cranberry flavor with a hint of spice pairs beautifully with everything from ginger ale to vodka, making it a holiday mixologist’s dream.
For mocktails, pair the soda with a splash of orange juice and a sprig of rosemary for a refreshing and festive drink. Mix cocktails with your favorite spirit, a splash of cranberry juice, and a lime squeeze for a perfectly balanced holiday sipper.
The Cranberry Soda Showdown: Sprite vs. Starry
While Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry has been a beloved holiday staple for years, the introduction of PepsiCo’s Cranberry Starry adds a new player to the cranberry soda scene. Fans of lemon-lime sodas will have a tough choice this holiday season.
However, the catch with Cranberry Starry is its limited availability, which is restricted to KFC restaurants. If you’re a die-hard fan of cranberry soda, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is the more accessible option at stores nationwide.
In contrast, Cranberry Pepsi and Cranberry Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning, also part of PepsiCo’s holiday lineup at KFC, offer unique flavors.
Cranberry Pepsi combines the classic cola taste with a tart cranberry twist, while Cranberry Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning provides a bold and sugary option for soda lovers. However, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry stands out for its perfect blend of lemon-lime, cranberry, and warm spice, creating a well-balanced holiday drink.
Don’t Miss Out
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to start planning your festive drink lineup. Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, available in regular and zero-sugar options, will surely be a hit at your holiday gatherings. But don’t wait too long to stock up—this fan-favorite soda tends to sell out quickly every year.
Whether you’re sipping it solo, using it as a base for a mocktail or cocktail, or simply enjoying its seasonal flair, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is back and ready to be the star of your holiday beverage selection.
So, head to your nearest store, grab a few cans or bottles, and get ready to enjoy the return of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry, the drink that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.
Conclusion:
This holiday season, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is making a highly anticipated return, bringing the familiar, beloved flavor that fans have come to expect.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time taster, this seasonal soda will surely add a refreshing, festive touch to your holiday celebrations. Keep an eye out for it on shelves and grab enough to last you through the holidays—because once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait another year to enjoy it again!
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