Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
User Reviews
5
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Description
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail centers on the combination of bourbon, unsweetened cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Using 100% cranberry juice without added sugar brings natural tartness that pairs well with the rich depth of the bourbon. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and spirit. This cocktail is shaken vigorously over ice, which both chills and slightly dilutes the mixture, softening the strong alcohol bite and enhancing the harmony of flavors.
The drink is served over ice in an old fashioned glass and garnished with a slice of lemon and fresh or frozen berries such as raspberries or cranberries, adding subtle aroma and color contrast. It suits occasions where a fruit-forward, whiskey-based cocktail is desired and can be adapted with variations in juices, spirits, or additional spices noted in the recipe.
Useful tips include making your own simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water over gentle heat and storing it refrigerated indefinitely. Variations allow substitutions of spirits such as rye, vodka, or rum, and alternative juice bases like pomegranate or cherry. This adaptability lets you tailor the cocktail to your taste or occasion preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon a nice quality bourbon is good in this drink
- 1 ½ oz cranberry juice no sugar. Please try and get 100% juice, not only is it good for you, but doesn't have all of that added sugar, unsweetened 100%
- ½ oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 oz simple syrup make your own, see below or store-bought
- lemon raspberries and/or cranberries for garnish, slices
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water filtered
- 1 cup granulated sugar I use pure cane, all natural
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker (or mason jar with lid) with ice about 2/3 full.
- Pour in bourbon, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Place lid on shaker, vigorously shake 20-30 times. The longer you shake the more diluted it will become, which for me is a good thing.
- In an old fashioned glass, fill with ice, whiskey stones or an ice ball. Pour cocktail over ice. Garnish with slice of lemon, fresh or frozen raspberries or cranberries, enjoy immediatly.
- See notes for substitution and mocktail ideas.
- Simple Syrup
- Pour water and sugar into small heavy saucepan. Over medium heat stir until sugar dissolves, bring mixture to simmer BUT DO NOT BOIL. See detailed post for more on homemade simple syrup.
- Store in mason jar in refrigerator, lasts indefinitely.
Notes
- Make simple syrup by gently heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved; store refrigerated indefinitely.
- Substitute cranberry juice with 100% cherry or pomegranate juice for different fruit profiles.
- Use different spirits such as rye, vodka, or rum in place of bourbon to vary flavor.
- Optional spices like nutmeg or cinnamon can be added for seasonal variation.
- Create a mocktail version by omitting alcohol and replacing with mixers like club soda or lemonade.
- Shaking longer and using crushed ice can increase dilution for a smoother drink.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Cocktail
Amount Per Serving
Calories 262 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 262kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Sodium | 23mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 149mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin A | 20IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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