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Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail

The blend of ingredients in this bourbon cranberry cocktail recipe makes for a fun and satisfying drink! The tartness of the cranberry juice perfectly balances the combined flavors of bourbon, simple syrup, and ginger beer.

Closer view of the cranberry cocktail with cranberries on skewers and on the table with the other drinks
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This cocktail is the perfect drink to serve guests who love bourbon. It’s not your typical bourbon blend, it offers a novelty that will inspire their taste buds. The sweetness of the bourbon melds wonderfully with the tartness of the unsweetened cranberry juice and the spicy flavor of ginger beer. Add a dash of simple syrup and you have the perfect cocktail blend.

But you don’t have to wait for a dinner party to make this delicious cocktail. I bet you’ll love it, too.

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And it’s also the perfect Christmas or holiday cocktail.

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And talking about Christmas. How cool would it be to buy yourself a few of these gorgeous glasses from GlenCairn? I love the weight of the glass and how delicious whiskey cocktails taste in them.

Two Glencairn mixer glasses on a colorful table. One is on top of the box it came in
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.
Helpful
Tips
  • I almost exclusively use mid to premium alcohol. The higher quality (and cost) make for a smoother taste.
  • Where it is most important to use higher quality is when the cocktail is mostly alcohol, like a martini or Manhattan; but when you are using mixers such as the cranberry juice in this cocktail, you can go with a lower quality brand. (Though I still recommend mid to premium.)
  • I like using pure cranberry juice that hasn’t been sweetened. That way, I can control the amount of sugar I deem appropriate instead of settling for the amount in most cranberry juices on the market.
  • If you can’t find unsweetened cranberry juice and use the sweetened version, OMIT the simple syrup.
  • I love a more tart cocktail so the amount of simple syrup I use may not be enough for you. I say follow the recipe as written, taste it and if the cocktail isn’t sweet enough, then add simple syrup in half-ounce increments.
  • I use a cocktail shaker because I love making my cocktails that way, but you can build this cocktail directly in the glass if you prefer.
  • When cranberries are available in the store, I buy an extra bag and freeze it for garnish or if I feel like making cranberry infused vodka.
  • If you can’t find ginger beer, substitute it with ginger ale.
a glass with cranberries on a pick on the rim which is filled with the cranberry drink
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

How to make a bourbon cranberry cocktail

Pre-step

Get a cocktail shaker, measuring glass, three double old-fashioned glasses, and three martini picks. Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

After measuring out the ingredients, pour into the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients –  bourbon whiskey, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer.

Bourbon, cranberry, ginger beer, and simple syrup on a board with glassware
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step two

Measure out 4 ounces of bourbon. (A)

Step two

Measure 4 ounces of cranberry juice. (B)

Bourbon and cranberry juice poured out
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step three

Measure 1 ounce of simple syrup. (C)

Step four

Add extra ice to the glasses. Place the lid on the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Divide, strain, and pour the contents between the three glasses.

Step five

Spear 3 cranberries on each martini pick. (D)

Simple syrup measured out and cranberries put on martini picks
Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step six

Pour ginger beer into each glass to the top and place the garnish on the glasses.

Closer view of the cranberry cocktail with cranberries on skewers and on the table with the other drinks
Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

So festive AND delicious.

Vertical view of the bourbon cocktail with cranberries as garnish
Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Delicious!

Let’s have a close up.

close up of the bourbon drink in a glass with cranberries on a martini pick
Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

I hope you enjoyed this bourbon cranberry cocktail recipe.

Other cocktails made with cranberry juice

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Square photo of the three glasses of bourbon cocktail

Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail

The sweetness of the bourbon and simple syrup melds perfectly with the tartness of the cranberry juice and spiciness of the ginger beer, making the perfect cocktail.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bourbon cranberry cocktail, bourbon cranberry fizz, cocktails made with bourbon, cranberry cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 3 Cocktails
Calories: 141kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces bourbon (I used Knob Creek)
  • 4 ounces cranberry juice (unsweetened if you can get it – if not, OMIT the simple syrup)
  • 1 ounce simple syrup (I love a more tart/sour cocktail but if you like a sweeter cocktail, adjust to your liking)
  • 3 ounces ginger beer (approximate – just pour it out of the can into the glass)

Garnish

  • 9 cranberries

Instructions

  • Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice and spear 3 cranberries on each martini pick.
  • Add bourbon, cranberry juice and simple syrup if using unsweetened cranberry juice.
    4 ounces bourbon, 4 ounces cranberry juice, 1 ounce simple syrup
  • Cap shaker and shake for at least 15 seconds.
  • Add extra ice cubes to the glasses.
  • Divide the liquid between each of the glasses.
  • Pour enough ginger beer to the top off the glasses.
    3 ounces ginger beer
  • Add garnish to each glass.
    9 cranberries
  • Sip, smile, and enjoy.
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Notes

Helpful Tips
  • I almost exclusively use mid to premium alcohol. The higher quality (and cost) make for a smoother taste.
  • Where it is most important to use higher quality is when the cocktail is mostly alcohol, like a martini or Manhattan; but when you are using mixers such as the cranberry juice in this cocktail, you can go with a lower quality brand. (Though I still recommend mid to premium.)
  • I like using a pure cranberry juice that hasn’t been sweetened. That way, I can control the amount of sugar I deem appropriate instead of having to settle for the amount of sugar in most cranberry juices on the market.
  • If you can’t find unsweetened cranberry juice and use the sweetened version, OMIT the simple syrup.
  • I love a more tart cocktail so the amount of simple syrup I use may not be enough for you. I say follow the recipe as written, taste it and if the cocktail isn’t sweet enough, then add simple syrup by half ounce increments.
  • I use a cocktail shaker because I love making my cocktails that way, but you can build this cocktail directly in the glass if you prefer.
  • When cranberries are available in the store, I buy an extra bag and freeze it for garnish or if I feel like making cranberry infused vodka.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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10 Comments

  1. I am planning to organize some girls’ party. LOVE your recipe!!! The only thing I worry about is that a bourbon-based cocktail might be too strong for us. What do you think about?:)

    1. I think you’re fine the way it is as it’s not that much bourbon but you can lessen it to 1 ounce per cocktail if you prefer a lighter drink. Thanks Irina!

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