This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Putting a festive spin on a classic cocktail with this Cranberry Bourbon Sour. Homemade cranberry-orange syrup, warming bourbon, fresh citrus, and sweet candied rosemary. This cranberry bourbon cocktail is so easy to create, simply mix everything together for a merry cocktail that’s perfectly sweetened, and so delicious! This can be made ahead of time for easy holiday entertaining. Tip? Make a large batch to serve to family and friends!
Half Baked Harvest At Home
20+ new recipes for wholesome comfort food made with everyday ingredients. Pre-order today! HBH At Home will be released on Tuesday, February 23rd!
Ingredients
- Maple syrup
- Fresh cranberries
- Large orange
- Bourbon (such as maker’s mark)
- Lemon juice and lemon peel
- Cranberry juice
- Orange bitters
- Blood orange
- large ice cube
Kitchen supplies and tableware
- chilled rocks glass
- cocktail shaker
- pitcher or punch bowl
- saucepan
It’s finally that time of year when I can share the more “festive” holiday drinks, and I couldn’t be happier. Time might be very tight this season…since I have a bit more travel on the calendar than usual. But as crazy as it is, I’m still so excited to be cooking up new recipes and sharing these drinks.
It’s what I LOVE most.
Anyway, keeping this post short and sweet as I prefer to do with these cocktail posts. So I’m jumping right into this warming and oh so festive cranberry bourbon sour.
Today it’s all about taking a classic and making it just a touch sweeter, prettier, and well, extra delicious too! Enter this cranberry cocktail. Up until just a few weeks ago I really wasn’t that familiar with a bourbon sour. It was my brother who suggested I make one. And while he said I should do it with the egg white variation, I opted to just keep things simple…ish. Plus, incorporating an egg white into my cocktails still weirds me out a bit. Maybe someday I’ll get into it, but for now, keeping it simple and easy!
Here is how you make this cranberry bourbon sour.
The key to this bourbon sour is the cranberry syrup. It’s what gives this drink color, flavor, and sweetness. Instead of your basic simple syrup with sugar and water (which I always find to be so bland), I did mine with fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and orange zest. If you prefer a different flavored simple syrup, try one of these four in this past holiday post entitled, holiday gifting: homemade simple syrups.
The cranberries and maple together add to the warmth of this drink. And the orange adds that classic citrus flavor that you know and love in any classic bourbon sour.
The cranberry syrup will make enough for six drinks, so you can also make a punch sour. Or just go for a single drink and save the syrup for later. I’m giving you directions for both ways!
Once the syrup is made, the rest is EASY.
Just shake the syrup with your favorite bourbon (I typically use Woodford or Four Roses). Then add lemon juice, cranberry juice, and a dash or two of orange bitters. Pour over ice and garnish with a thin orange slice and candied rosemary.
SIMPLE. But GOOD.
As I mentioned, you can also make this into more of a punch for serving guests. If doing so, I would probably recommend doubling the recipe, depending on how many people you plan to serve…or if you just know your crowd will be going back for seconds.
Make the drink extra pretty…
Candied rosemary…my favorite cocktail garnish to add to drinks this time of year. It’s delicious and so pretty. I love the way it sparkles like snow!
And the best part? It’s so simple to make. Just grab some fresh rosemary sprigs, dampen them with water, and cover in granulated sugar. Let the rosemary dry for an hour at room temperature. Now you have pretty, glistening rosemary that’s the perfect final touch to this bourbon sour.
And you guys? That’s kind of it for this drink. It’s a classic, but with a seasonal twist that makes it even better than the original. Cranberries are the perfect way to sweeten up this warming winter cocktail, and I love the bright-red color they add! Perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.
I know this will be on repeat at my house when family arrives for the holidays. They love a straight-up bourbon drink and this is a GOOD one.
If you make this cranberry bourbon sour, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- zest 1 large orange
- 8 ounces (1 cup) bourbon
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) lemon juice
- 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
- 3-4 dashes orange bitters
- 1 blood orange or regular orange, sliced, or regular orange, sliced
Instructions
- 1. To make the cranberry syrup: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple syrup, and cranberries to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. If you syrup thickens too quickly, just add additional water to thin. Let cool. If desired, strain out the cranberries. 2. In a punch bowl, combine the cranberry syrup, bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and orange bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and candied rosemary (recipe below), if desired.
Candied Rosemary
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently run rosemary sprigs under a little water to dampen and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the rosemary with granulated sugar on all sides, making sure the rosemary is thoroughly coated in sugar. Allow to dry on the baking sheet for 1 hour. The rosemary can be made 1 day in advance and stored at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Cranberry Bourbon Sour
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- zest 1 large orange
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1/4 cup 100% cranberry juice
- 1-2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 blood orange , or regular orange slices
Instructions
- 1. To make the cranberry syrup: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the maple syrup, and cranberries to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. Let cool. If desired, strain out the cranberries. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks. 2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons cranberry syrup, the bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange slice and candied rosemary (recipe below), if desired.
Candied Rosemary
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently run rosemary sprigs under a little water to dampen and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the rosemary with granulated sugar on all sides, making sure the rosemary is thoroughly coated in sugar. Allow to dry on the baking sheet for 1 hour. The rosemary can be made 1 day in advance and stored at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I made this for Friendsgiving. I should have made two matches. Delish!
Thanks sooo much Catherine! xT
Love this recipe- I did try it with vodka and it was delish and a party hit. This will be my 3rd year making it for my annual christmas cookie exchange! I was wondering though how far in advance the cranberry syrup can be made? Thanks!
Hey Erin,
Happy Monday!!☃️ I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad it was enjoyed! The syrup is good for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. xT
My family and I loved this cocktail for Thanksgiving! Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Hey Danyelle,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xx
I made this for thanksgiving! It was well liked. You can add more bourbon if you want less sweetness. But it’s not all that sweet to begin with. The cranberry makes it tart but not too much.
Hey Morgan,
Happy Sunday!!☃️ Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
How sweet would you say this is? It looks amazing but I’m not a sweet cocktail kinda gal! For a reference, I don’t care for Sangria because it’s to sweet for me. Any suggestions?? Thanks!
Hey Nancy,
I would just use a small amount of the syrup, that’s where the sweetness comes from and it should be just fine for you! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it’s a hit! xx
Looking forward to trying this!
Question…wondering how would it be if I left out the orange bitters?
Hey Michelle,
You could do orange bitters or just regular bitters for this recipe:) Let me know if I can help in any other way, I hope you love this recipe! Cheers! xx
I love this drink! I make it every year, so festive. The flavors are perfect together and the color is so beautiful. Thank you so much for the recipe, part of my traditional Thanksgiving now.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for making this recipe each year, I love to hear that it is always a winner! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx
Excellent Holiday Cocktail
We made these several times for both company and just ourselves—delicious! Made double the amount of syrup to keep in fridge—lots of positive comments and it’s so festive!
Hi Virginia,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Hi! How much syrup does this make?
Hi Tina,
This will make enough for 6-8 drinks. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Could I make these to order? Mix all the juices together and then just add the bourbon to each individual cup? What ration would you recommend for the bourbon and the juice? TIA!
Hey Lindsey,
You could just make this in a large pitcher, increase the serving size to what you need and then ingredients will adjust for you:) I hope this helps! Cheers! xT
Loved this!
Made the syrup w. cranberry juice as cranberries aren’t in season here and it worked perfectly!
Hey Robin,
Awesome! I am so glad you enjoyed this cocktail, thanks for making it! Cheers! xx
Hi Tieghan! I’m hoping to make this punch for a friend’s birthday party on Friday but am having trouble finding fresh or frozen cranberries near me at this time of year. Could dried cranberries work in the syrup if I reduce the amount and potentially also reduce the amount of sugar?
Hi Sarah,
I am not sure those would be the best option for you, but you could give it a try!! How about frozen cherries? xTieghan
I LOVE this recipe. Have made it twice since thanksgiving and it was a big hit. I saved the cranberry compote mixture and used it as a filling for Cranberry Orange Breakfast Buns – amazing!!!
Hi there,
Thank you so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Merry Christmas!?? xT
This was the star cocktail of our holidays! I made a pitcher for our friends… then another pitcher for our family two days later…then added egg whites to individual drinks with the leftovers the following day. Everyone was blown away & asked for your recipe. Thank you!
Hey Shelley,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy New Year!? xxT
Hi! Did you strain your cranberry syrup? Thanks!
Hi Vickie,
Straining the cranberries is optional. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, cheers! xTieghan
It’s a great recipe may I share it and the picture on my bourbon blog site? Of course giving proper credit to Half Baked Harvest! Please let me know if I have your permission to share thank you!
Hi there,
Yes, that is okay with me as long as you link properly. xTieghan