If you enjoy classic cocktails as much as I do, then you’ll love making this Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe. Cranberry adds a bright delicious twist to the classic Old Fashioned, that I find super hard to resist. It’s also the perfect mixed drink recipe to add to your secret stash of signature cocktails that’s sure to impress.
This post is intended for viewers 21 and older. For more drink recipes see Simple Old Fashioned Cocktail and the Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail.
Holiday Cocktail
A cranberry Old Fashioned is one of my all-time favorite cocktails to enjoy through the holidays and into winter. With every sip, I savor the sweet tart cranberry and bourbon combination, with just a hint of orange as it works its magic. If you’re like me, you will feel the warmth spreading all the way down to your toes.
The secret to this recipe is making your own cranberry simple syrup, which takes no time at all. I made a quick batch over the weekend, and now it’s in the fridge just waiting for the next round of cocktails.
Cranberry OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL RECIPE
- 3 ounces Bourbon
- 1 ounce Cranberry Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Fresh Cranberry Garnish
- Add ice cubes, bourbon, cranberry simple sugar, and bitters.
- Stir to combine and serve.
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- Bring water, sugar and cranberries to a boil, then immediately reduce to medium low. Simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour through a mesh strainer.
- Allow simple syrup to cool completely. Store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator.
Rosemary Cranberry Garnish
Cocktail picks are always in fashion, but a rosemary pick looks so festive this time of year. Plus the rosemary compliments the aroma of the bourbon which is why we love sipping an Old Fashioned in the first place.
When using a rosemary stem as a cocktail pick for cranberries, remove the bottom portion of the leaves first. Then use a bamboo skewer to carefully pierce the fresh cranberries before adding them to the rosemary stem.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!
So are you ready to celebrate the holidays with a cranberry Old Fashioned? I know I am! Go ahead and make your cranberry simple syrup now, and keep it in the fridge. That way you’ll be ready at a moments notice.
Remember to drink responsibly.
Cheers!
CRANBERRY OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Bourbon
- 1 ounce Cranberry Simple Syrup see recipe below
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Fresh Cranberry Garnish optional
Instructions
- Add ice cubes, bourbon, cranberry simple sugar, and bitters.
- Stir to combine and serve.
CRANBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Bring water, sugar and cranberries to a boil, then immediately reduce to medium low. Simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour through a mesh strainer.
- Allow simple syrup to cool completely. Store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator.
©2020 Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
Janet R Lorusso says
This looks fabulous, Michelle! And GREAT idea with the rosemary skewers!
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Janet!
Tommy Brunett says
Old Fashioned Cocktails are one of my favorites. This looks absolutely delicious and smooth. Definitely one I will make over the holiday weekend, can’t wait to try it out.
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Tommy! We enjoyed a couple yesterday evening and as you guessed they were delicious and smooth.
Britney Knox says
Interesting thoughts
Michelle Meyer says
Thank you Britney for visiting today!