This Best Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe is a delicious and festive twist on a classic cocktail. It’s perfect for cold weather and the holidays.
In addition, it’s a bourbon old-fashioned cocktail which means it’s really easy to make!
Best Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
First and foremost, I recommend a good quality bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, or Woodford Reserve. I know there are many more premium bourbons, but these are our favorites.
What is an old-fashioned cocktail?
It’s a cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding whiskey, and garnishing with a twist of orange rind. It’s served in a rocks glass most often over ice.
Speaking of ice, an ice sphere is a perfect vehicle for this drink. An ice sphere gives the coolness the drink needs, but doesn’t water down the bourbon or the simple syrup, making the first sip as good as the last. In my opinion, the more diluted this drink becomes the less enjoyable it is.
My favorite ice sphere is this one. It’s stackable taking up less room in the freezer and it doesn’t leak.
A large ice cube also has the cool factor and melts slowly. This is my favorite large cube tray because it has a lid. And, if you have teenagers in your house that make total chaos of the freezer looking for food when they’re hungry, you’ll understand the need for a lid.
What are bitters?
Bitters are alcoholic spirits that are infused with herbs, roots, fruit, and leaves. They typically consist of water and alcohol, which has been steeped with a combination of botanicals.
Bitters add flavor to cocktails. However, they’re potent and a little goes a long way. Typically, you only need one or two drops for a cocktail.
How do I make cranberry simple syrup?
In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and one cup of fresh cranberries to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain with a mesh sieve and cool before serving.
While you’re here, check these recipes (Click the photo for the recipe)
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- Raspberry Peach Bourbon Smash
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- Fizzy Bourbon Lemonade
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- Bourbon Caramel Milkshake
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- Bourbon Peach Tea Cocktail
Best Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce cranberry simple syrup
- 2-3 shakes bitters I like this brand.
Instructions
- In a rocks glass with ice, stir together the bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, and bitters.
- Garnish with orange peel and fresh cranberries.
Nutrition
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