Christmas Cranberry Cocktail

This cranberry Christmas cocktail is a festive drink to make on a warm holiday evening or serve at a holiday party. Made with bourbon, cranberry, lime and orange liqueur and served in a large cube.

The holiday season brings with it a cascade of festive flavors, and one timeless ingredient that stands out is the cranberry. I tend to buy a few extra bags in November and freeze them to use throughout the winter. I am a huge fan of cranberry sauce!

Cranberry cocktails are a classic choice for the fall and winter months and transition effortlessly into the holiday season. The bright and fluffy profile of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the warmth of the bourbon.

While cranberries get a lot of attention around Thanksgiving, the ruby hue is perfect for taking center stage in Christmas cocktails, adding a burst of bitterness and a splash of vibrant color. I’m excited to share my Christmas Cranberry Cocktail recipe that I’ve been drinking since Thanksgiving!

A Cranberry Twist on the classic Bourbon

While my drink of choice in the summer is tequila, in the cooler months I love a good bourbon cocktail.

I grew up with grandparents who loved bourbon. The scent itself 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 pop up in the cooler months. Whether it’s a spicy bourbon for the crowd or a cranberry-tinged Bourbon Sour, it’s fun to whip up a cocktail at home to serve at the holidays. (And don’t forget the bourbon eggnog!)

Aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon takes on a smoothness and complexity that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile choice for cocktail creation. The caramel, vanilla, and sometimes spicy nuances of bourbon can transform a simple drink into a feast of flavors.

While you may like our bourbon neat or on the rocks, I prefer my drinks to have a little sweetness to balance out the rich, oaky spice 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 orange lime, but if you like orange, you can add a little orange juice.

Homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup

What makes this holiday drink unique is the homemade cranberry simple syrup, which is like a watered-down version of cranberry sauce. If you have fresh for frozen cranberries lying around, you can make this from scratch in minutes. Trust me – the flavor and richness of fresh cranberry 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 baby version of the fruit. You will mix the cranberry juice with either a pure simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves) or you can even use a pre-made simple in a bottle like this.

A big cube

I like my bourbon cocktails served in a big cube. i found this silicon disk on Amazon and it works well. The big cube is not just about aesthetics. is a technique that enhances the overall drinking experience. Slow melting of a large ice cube minimizes dilution, allowing you to enjoy the full 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 simple syrup)
1/2 ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
A handful of fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Sprig of rosemary (for garnish)
Ice cubes for shaking
A large cube for serving

For cranberry simple syrup:

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare simple syrup

Start by making cranberry 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 juices. Allow to cool slightly before straining. Alternatively, you can use cranberry juice and a pre-made simple syrup like this.

Step 2: Drain the Cranberries

Pour the cooked cranberries through a strainer into a small bowl and squeeze to extract all the juice.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

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

Step 4: Shake well

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.

Step 5: Strain into a glass

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

Step 6: Garnish

Give your Christmas Cranberry Cocktail a festive twist by garnishing it with a touch of orange peel, a sprig of fresh rosemary for an evergreen look, or a few more fresh floating cranberries.

More festive ideas

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

Here’s to a holiday season filled with good company, laughter, and delicious sips of this magical cranberry-infused libation!