Christmas Cranberry Cocktail • Kath Eats

This Christmas Cranberry Cocktail is a festive drink to make for a cozy Christmas evening or serve at a Christmas party. It’s made with bourbon, cranberries, lime and orange liqueur and served in a large bucket.

Christmas Cranberry Cocktail

The holiday season brings with it a cascade of festive flavors and one timeless ingredient that stands out is cranberry. I usually buy a few extra bags in November and freeze them to use throughout the winter. I’m a big cranberry sauce lover!

Cranberry cocktails are a classic choice for the fall and winter months, and fit effortlessly into the holiday season. The bright, spicy profile of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the warmth of the bourbon.

While cranberries get a lot of attention during Thanksgiving, the ruby ​​red hue is perfect for taking center stage in holiday cocktails, adding a burst of acidity and a pop of vibrant color. I’m excited to share the recipe for the Christmas Cranberry Cocktail I’ve been drinking since Thanksgiving!

A touch of cranberry in classic Bourbon

While my favorite liquor in the summer is tequila, in the colder months I love a good bourbon cocktail.

I grew up with grandparents who loved bourbon. The scent alone has wonderful memories for me. Bourbon’s versatility extends beyond the classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan (my favorites), and I love all the new cocktails that come out in the colder months. Whether it’s a spiced bourbon punch for a crowd or a Bourbon Sour with a hint of cranberry, it’s fun to make a homemade cocktail to serve at parties. (Don’t forget the bourbon eggnog too!)

Aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon gains a smoothness and complexity that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for crafting cocktails. Bourbon’s caramel, vanilla, and sometimes spicy undertones can transform a simple drink into a celebration of flavors.

While you may like our bourbon neat or on the rocks, I prefer my drinks to have a little sweetness to balance the rich oak flavor 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 it with lime over orange, but if you love orange, you can substitute it with a splash of orange juice.

Homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup

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

BUT, if you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can make a quick version with cranberry juice! Just make sure you find 100% cranberry juice and not a kids’ version of fruit punch. You’ll mix the cranberry juice with pure simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves) or you can even use pre-made simple syrup in a bottle. like this.

a big cube

I like my bourbon cocktails served in a large bucket. I found this silicone tray in Amazon and it works well. The big cube isn’t just about aesthetics; It is a technique that improves the overall drinking experience. The slow melting of a large ice cube minimizes dilution, allowing you to savor the entire flavor profile of the cocktail from the first sip to the last. I also like it because I have sensitive teeth.

Cranberry Christmas Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of bourbon
• 1 ounce cranberry simple syrup (or 1/2 ounce cranberry juice and 1/2 ounce simple syrup)
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• A handful of fresh blueberries (to decorate)
• Rosemary sprig (to decorate)
• Ice cubes for shaking
• A large serving bucket.

For cranberry simple syrup:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Simple Syrup

Start by making blueberry simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 3/4 cup cranberries. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to open, releasing their juice. Let cool slightly before straining. Alternatively, you can use cranberry juice and a ready-made simple syrup. like this.

Step 2: strain the blueberries

Pour the cooked cranberries into a strainer over a small bowl and press to release all the juice.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

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

Step 4: Shake well

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds.

Step 5: strain into glass

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

Step 6: decorate

Give your Christmas cranberry cocktail a festive touch by garnishing it with a sprinkle of orange peel, a sprig of fresh rosemary for an evergreen look, or a few fresher floating cranberries.

More festive ideas

As you plan your holiday festivities, consider complementing your holiday cocktail with other delicious creations. Check out this cranberry smoothie recipe for a refreshing non-alcoholic option or explore the art of making a stunning Christmas charcuterie board to impress your guests.

Cheers to a holiday season filled with good company, laughter, and delicious sips of this lovely cranberry-infused drink!