Cranberry Old Fashioned
For the past year or so, everything retro seems to be back in style—not just in fashion and home décor, but also in cocktails! The Old Fashioned is the epitome of retro cool, and its timeless taste is as popular as ever. What makes this classic cocktail even more enticing is its versatility. By switching up the bitters or adding a fruity element like cranberry simple syrup, you can put a unique spin on it.
This Cranberry Old Fashioned is not only trendy but also festive and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or snuggling up by the fire, this cocktail is the perfect seasonal sipper. Let’s dive into how you can craft this delicious drink in just a few simple steps.
Why the Cranberry Old Fashioned is a Holiday Favorite
Festive and Simple Ingredients
One of the standout features of this cocktail is its cranberry simple syrup, which adds a festive flair. While making the syrup takes about 20 minutes, there’s a handy shortcut for those short on time—jellied cranberry sauce. Heat it up in the microwave or on the stove, and voilà ! You have a quick and easy substitute that works beautifully.
Fresh orange juice and orange bitters complement the cranberry flavor, while bourbon adds that smooth, warming kick. A garnish of cranberries and an orange twist ties it all together for a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned
Step 1: Prepare Your Cranberry Syrup
For the homemade syrup, simmer fresh cranberries, water, and sugar until the mixture thickens. If you’re using the shortcut, simply liquefy jellied cranberry sauce.
Step 2: Build the Cocktail
Start with a rocks glass. Add one ounce of cranberry syrup, a squeeze of fresh orange juice, and a few dashes of orange bitters. Muddle these ingredients gently to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Add Bourbon and Ice
Pour in two ounces of bourbon, add a large ice cube, and give it a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous orange twist and a few fresh cranberries for garnish. Now you’re ready to enjoy your Cranberry Old Fashioned!
Cranberry Old Fashioned
Equipment
- 1 Sauce Pan To boil the simple syrup
Ingredients
- 2 Oz Bourbon
- 1 Oz Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 3 Dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 Squeeze Fresh Orange
Garnish
- 1 Large Orange Twist
- 3 Cranberries
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 6 Oz Fresh Cranberries Rinsed and sorted
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
Cranberry Short Cut
- 1 Can Jellied Cranberry Sauce Liquefy in a sauce pan or in microwave until a melty consistency
Instructions
- Combine the cranberries, sugar and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil- Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened then cool
- For the cocktail add cranberry simple syrup, generous squeeze of fresh orange an 3 dashes of Orange Bitters and muddle in the bottom of your Rocks glass
- Add 2 heavy ounces of Bourbon and stir
- Add one large craft ice cube and garnish with an orange slice or a large orange twist
- Add cranberries if desired
A Cozy Holiday Drink
The Cranberry Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an experience. It’s the drink to enjoy after putting the kids to bed, lighting a fire, and relaxing with your loved ones. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year or savoring a quiet evening, this cocktail is the perfect holiday treat. Cheers to happy holidays and warm memories!
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