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.
Course Cocktails
Cuisine American
Keyword bourbon cranberry cocktail, bourbon cranberry fizz, cocktails made with bourbon, cranberry cocktail
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.
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.