Bourbon is a classic American whiskey that has been enjoyed for centuries. It's known for its warm, smoky flavor and smooth finish, making it a perfect choice for cocktails.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy bourbon is by mixing it with cranberry juice. The sweet and tart flavors of cranberry juice complement the rich flavors of bourbon, creating a delicious and refreshing cocktail.
If you're a fan of bourbon and cranberry juice, you're in luck. There are countless ways to mix these two ingredients to create a tasty and unique cocktail.
From classic recipes to modern twists, there's a bourbon and cranberry juice cocktail for every palate.
Whether you're looking for a simple recipe to impress your guests or a complex cocktail to challenge your mixology skills, this post will guide you through the best bourbon and cranberry juice cocktail recipes.
We'll explore the history of bourbon, the benefits of using cranberry juice in cocktails, and share some of our favorite recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
So, grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
1. Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail
The Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. The combination of tart cranberry juice, sweet simple syrup, and spicy ginger beer perfectly complements the smoothness of the bourbon.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new with their bourbon, as it offers a refreshing and unexpected flavor profile. It's a great option for entertaining guests or enjoying on a cozy night in. Overall, the Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail is a must-try for any bourbon lover looking to spice up their cocktail game.
2. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a fruity, yet complex cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for fall or winter entertaining, such as Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas parties. The cocktail is beautifully balanced with just the right amount of nuance from sweet vermouth. The use of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice adds a tartness to the cocktail that is balanced out by the sweetness of the orange juice.
The bourbon finish adds a perfect touch of warmth to this cocktail. This cocktail is a simple shake and strain cocktail, making it easy to prepare. It can also be made in a pitcher for larger gatherings. If you're looking for a signature cocktail that is both refreshing and warming, the Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is the perfect choice.
3. Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. This four-ingredient cocktail is easy to make and has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The combination of cranberry and orange juice, along with the vanilla notes of bourbon, creates a refreshing and delicious drink.
The addition of fresh cranberries and rosemary as garnish adds a festive touch to the cocktail. This uncomplicated cocktail is perfect for bourbon lovers who want to enjoy a simple yet flavorful drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that is easy to make and tastes great, the Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
4. Rosemary Infused Cranberry Bourbon Martini
The Rosemary Infused Cranberry Bourbon Martini is a festive and fruity cocktail that's perfect for holiday celebrations. This signature cocktail combines the vibrant red color and fresh, fruity flavor of cranberry juice with the popular spirit of bourbon. The addition of rosemary and orange gives the cocktail a fragrant and aromatic twist, while a touch of agave nectar adds just the right amount of sweetness.
The rosemary garnish is a necessary final touch that adds a wonderful fragrance to the drink. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your next holiday party, the Rosemary Infused Cranberry Bourbon Martini is definitely worth trying.
5. Cranberry Bourbon Fizz
The Cranberry Bourbon Fizz is a festive and inviting cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. This cocktail features a mid-priced bourbon that has been infused with fresh cranberries, cloves, and a vanilla bean. The addition of fresh cranberry puree and a splash of club soda provides a sweet and tart finish.
The use of Sweet'N Low® instead of sugar adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the cranberry and spice undertones. This cocktail is a great way to enjoy bourbon as part of a mixed drink and is sure to impress guests. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to serve at your next gathering, the Cranberry Bourbon Fizz is a must-try.
6. Cranberry Whiskey Sour
The Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a delightful twist on the traditional Whiskey Sour. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors. The drink is made with Cranberry Juice, Whiskey, Lemon Juice, and sugar or simple syrup. It's a great drink for any occasion, and it's sure to impress your guests.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be garnished with a lemon twist or slice. If you're a fan of sour drinks, this cocktail is a must-try. The combination of cranberry and whiskey is a match made in heaven, and it's sure to leave you wanting more. So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail, give the Cranberry Whiskey Sour a try.
7. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a holiday twist. Made with American Honey Whiskey, cranberry juice, and bitters, this cocktail is perfect for holiday parties.
The sweetness of the honey whiskey is balanced by the tartness of the cranberry juice, and the bitters add a depth of flavor. This cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a festive and delicious drink, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is a must-try.
8. Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink to serve during the holiday season. With a vibrant pinkish-red color, this cocktail is a combination of tart cranberry juice infused with seasonal spices, bourbon, and ginger beer. The warm holiday spices like fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg give it a unique and delicious flavor.
The cocktail is perfect for a cozy night by the fire or for holiday parties. The recipe is easy to make, and once you make a batch of the Spiced Cranberry Juice, you can easily make several cocktails at one time. The drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a slight fizz from the ginger beer. It is a must-try for anyone who loves bourbon and cranberry juice cocktails.
9. Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash
The Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash is a perfect cocktail for the holiday season. The combination of cranberry and orange flavors, paired with bourbon and Schweppes Orange Sparkling Water, creates a refreshing and festive drink.
The cocktail is perfect for intimate gatherings or large soirees, and pairs well with a cheeseboard. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little holiday cheer to their drink menu.
10. Bourbon Cranberry Fizz
The Bourbon Cranberry Fizz is a delightful holiday cocktail that combines the warmth of bourbon with the tartness of cranberry juice and the freshness of mint. It's a perfect drink to enjoy while sitting by the Christmas tree with friends and family.
The addition of Canada Dry Ginger Ale or 7UP adds a slight sweetness and fizz to the cocktail, making it a refreshing and delicious drink. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful drink to enjoy during the holidays.
11. Jingle Bell Smash
The Jingle Bell Smash is a festive take on the classic whiskey smash cocktail. This cocktail features a delicious combination of bourbon, cranberry juice, and rosemary simple syrup, which adds a unique and flavorful twist to the drink.
The recipe is versatile, allowing for the substitution of bourbon with other spirits for those who prefer a different taste. The rosemary simple syrup is easy to make and adds a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. Overall, the Jingle Bell Smash is a perfect holiday drink that is sure to impress your guests.
12. Blackberry Bourbon and Cranberry Cocktail
The Blackberry Bourbon and Cranberry Cocktail is a perfect seasonal drink that can be enjoyed from fall through winter. It's a refreshing and beautiful cocktail that includes blackberry liqueur, bourbon, and cranberry juice. The warmth of the bourbon combined with the tart and sweet flavors of blackberries, cranberry juice, lemon, and simple syrup make this cocktail a must-try.
The vibrant color of the drink makes it a perfect cocktail to serve during holiday events. The recipe can be adjusted to make it less potent by topping it with chilled sparkling soda water. Overall, the Blackberry Bourbon and Cranberry Cocktail is an excellent addition to any cocktail menu.
13. Cranberry Kentucky Mule
The Cranberry Kentucky Mule is a perfect twist on a classic Moscow Mule, with bourbon replacing vodka and cranberry juice adding a sweet and tart flavor. The reduced cranberry juice with ginger adds a unique touch to this cocktail, making it perfect for a romantic evening or a dinner party.
The beautiful red hue of the drink makes it a perfect cocktail for Valentine's Day or Christmas. The addition of candied ginger as a garnish adds an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to this already delicious cocktail. If you're not a fan of bourbon, this cocktail might just change your mind.
14. Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink for the holiday season. This cocktail is a combination of smooth bourbon whiskey, tangy cranberry juice, and a homemade brown sugar and cranberry simple syrup. The addition of rosemary adds a subtle earthy flavor to the drink, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more complex taste.
The vibrant ruby red color of the cocktail adds to its festive appeal, making it a great option for holiday parties. Overall, this cocktail is a must-try for bourbon lovers and those looking for a unique and delicious holiday drink. So, grab a glass, and give this cocktail a try!
15. Orange Cranberry Bourbon Smash
The Orange Cranberry Bourbon Smash is a perfect cocktail for the festive season. The flavors of cranberry and orange mixed with the earthy tang of bourbon make for a warming and delightful drink. The addition of ginger ale adds a little bit of fizz and the rosemary gives it a unique and refreshing taste. This cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.
The use of Great Value Cranberry Sauce adds a bright and true cranberry flavor that is second to none. The muddling technique used in this recipe releases the flavors of the fresh rosemary into the liquids and it’s a much more effective technique than shaking it. Overall, the Orange Cranberry Bourbon Smash is a must-try cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
16. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
The Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a delightful twist on the classic Hot Toddy recipe. This sweet and tart cocktail is infused with warm spices and made with unsweetened cranberry juice, making it a perfect holiday drink.
The recipe is forgiving and allows for substitutions, so you can easily customize it to your liking. The Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a great choice for those who enjoy a hot and flavorful cocktail during the colder months.
17. Woodford Spire Cocktail
The Woodford Spire Cocktail is a refreshing and light drink that is perfect for sipping on during the summer months or serving at a Kentucky Derby party. Made with only three simple ingredients – Woodford Reserve Bourbon, lemonade, and cranberry juice – this cocktail is easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes.
What sets the Woodford Spire apart from other Bourbon and Cranberry Juice cocktails is its perfect balance of flavors – not too sweet, not too strong, and incredibly refreshing. So, if you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to impress your guests, the Woodford Spire is definitely worth trying.
18. Christmas Sangria
If you're looking for a festive cocktail to serve at your holiday party, look no further than Christmas Sangria. This red wine-based cocktail is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, tangy cranberries, and a hint of whiskey. It's the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, making it a great choice for sipping by the fire or serving to guests during a holiday gathering.
The cinnamon simple syrup adds a bold, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the full-bodied Merlot wine. Serve it over ice with a garnish of cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and frozen cranberries for a truly festive drink. Trust us, this cocktail will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
19. Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz
Looking for a refreshing and festive cocktail to enjoy this winter? Look no further than the Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz! This Italian-inspired drink is traditionally served as an aperitif, but with the addition of cranberry and orange juice, it's the perfect cocktail for any occasion.
The Aperol liquor provides a citrusy flavor with a hint of orange, while the Prosecco and sparkling water add a bubbly and refreshing finish. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and fresh cranberries, this cocktail is not only delicious but also visually stunning. If you're looking for a drink that's both refreshing and festive, the Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz is the perfect choice.
