christmas cranberry cocktail

This Christmas Cranberry Cocktail is a festive drink to make on a cozy holiday night or serve at a holiday party. It’s made with bourbon, cranberry, lime, and orange liqueur and served on top of a large cube.

christmas cranberry cocktail

The holiday season brings a flurry of festive flavors, but one ingredient that stands out throughout the ages is cranberries. I often buy a few extra bags in November and freeze them for use throughout the winter. I’m a big fan of cranberry sauce!

Cranberry cocktails are a classic fall and winter choice, making a smooth transition into the holiday season. The bright, zesty profile of cranberries pairs perfectly with the warmth of bourbon.

Cranberries get a lot of attention around Thanksgiving, but their ruby ​​red hue makes them perfect as the star of Christmas cocktails, adding an explosion of acidity and a bright splash of color. I’m excited to share the recipe for the Christmas Cranberry Cocktail that I’ve been drinking since Thanksgiving.

Classic bourbon with a cranberry twist

Tequila is my go-to drink in the summer, but I love a good bourbon cocktail in the cooler months.

I grew up with grandparents who loved bourbon. I have wonderful memories just from the scent alone. Bourbon’s versatility goes beyond the classic Old Fashioned and Manhattan (my favorites), and I love all the new cocktails that come out during the cooler months. Whether it’s a spiced bourbon punch for a crowd or a bourbon sour with a cranberry twist, creating house cocktails to serve for the holidays can be fun. (Don’t forget the bourbon eggnog!)

Bourbon aged in charred oak barrels acquires smoothness and complexity and pairs exceptionally well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for making cocktails. Bourbon’s caramel, vanilla, and sometimes spicy aromas can transform a simple drink into a flavor extravaganza.

You may like our bourbon straight or on the rocks, but I prefer a slightly sweeter drink to balance out the rich, oaky spice of the bourbon. Bulleit is one of my favorites 🙂

If you don’t like bourbon, you can also try this recipe as a cranberry vodka cocktail. I prefer lime over orange, but if you like oranges, you can use orange juice instead.

homemade cranberry simple syrup

What makes this holiday drink unique is the homemade cranberry simple syrup, which is like strained cranberry sauce. If you have fresh frozen cranberries, you can make them from scratch in just a few minutes. Trust me – the flavor and richness of fresh cranberries is worth it.

However, if you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can easily make your own using cranberry juice. But find 100% cranberry juice instead of the kid-friendly fruit punch version. You can also mix cranberry juice with pure simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves) or use ready-made simple syrup that comes in bottles like this one.

one large cube

I like bourbon cocktails served on large cubes. I found this silicone tray on Amazon and it works great. A large cube does not only mean beauty. It’s a technique that improves the overall drinking experience. Slowly melting large ice cubes minimizes dilution and maximizes the flavor of your cocktail from first sip to last. I also like it because I have sensitive teeth.

cranberry christmas cocktail recipe

material

2 oz bourbon 1 oz cranberry simple syrup (or 1/2 oz cranberry juice and 1/2 oz plain simple syrup) 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier) 1/2 oz fresh lime juice Fresh lime juice A handful of cranberries (for garnish) A sprig of rosemary (for garnish) Ice for the shake Large cubes for serving

For cranberry simple syrup:

1/4 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the simple syrup

First, make cranberry simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup cranberries. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to burst and release their juices. Let cool slightly before straining. Alternatively, you can use cranberry juice and a ready-made simple syrup like this one.

Step 2: Strain the cranberries

Pour the cooked cranberries into a colander over a small bowl and press to release all the juices.

Step 3: Mix ingredients

Add bourbon, cranberry simple syrup (or add cranberry juice and simple mix), orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and ice to a shaker.

Step 4: Shake well

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.

Step 5: Strain into a glass

Add a large cube to a cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the glass.

Step 6: Decorate

Add a festive touch to your Christmas Cranberry Cocktail by garnishing it with orange peel, fresh rosemary sprigs for an evergreen look, and even a few fresh floating cranberries.

Other celebration ideas

When planning your holiday party, consider supplementing your holiday cocktails with other fun creations. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, check out this cranberry smoothie recipe or learn how to make a stunning Christmas charcuterie board to impress your guests.

Cheers to a holiday season filled with good company, laughter, and this irresistible cranberry-infused libation!