Homemade cranberry syrup infused with the warming flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice is combined with whiskey and old-fashioned bitters to create the ultimate holiday cocktail.
This Cranberry Old Fashioned is my go-to cocktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings. The cranberry syrup can be made up to 1 month in advance to enjoy throughout the holiday season!
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The Spiced Cranberry Cocktail I Make on Repeat During the Holidays
I come bearing holiday cheer in the form of this spiced cranberry old fashioned cocktail. Because, let’s be honest: when the family gathers, sometimes alcohol is very necessary.
I have always been a bourbon fan and so naturally an old fashioned is one of my favorite cocktails. This cranberry version is a fun holiday twist on the classic drink.
Not sure what an Old Fashioned is? It’s a super simple cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding whiskey, and garnishing with orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry. It is traditionally served in an old fashioned glass, which predated the cocktail. There have been a lot of versions over the years, but whiskey, sugar, and bitters are the main ingredients.
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What You’ll Need for the Cranberry Syrup and Cocktail
- Bourbon. Some people prefer rye whiskey, but I love making a cranberry bourbon old fashioned. Choose whichever you prefer.
- Cranberries. You can use fresh or frozen for making the cranberry syrup.
- Spices. The spiced cranberry syrup is SO good. It calls for cinnamon sticks, ginger, vanilla bean, cloves, and allspice. All the delicious flavors of the season!
- Sugar. Cranberries are very tart, so you need some sugar to balance out the flavors of this drink.
- Bitters. I use “old fashioned” bitters but you can really use anything you have. Orange bitters, cherry bitters, Angostura bitters, and black walnut bitters would all be great substitutes.
- Orange. Old fashioned cocktails are usually garnished with orange peel and this one is no different!
How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned in 2 Steps
Jenny’s Tip: The spiced cranberry syrup used in this whiskey cocktail is incredibly versatile! I’ve also used it in a Moscow mule (fantastic, just substitute it in in place of simple syrup) and also added it to the bottom of a flute of sparkling wine. For a holiday mocktail, add it to sparkling water or La Croix with some lime juice.
- Make the cranberry syrup. The syrup can be made up to 1 month in advance and is as easy as adding everything to a pot and simmering until thickened. I always strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer for a super smooth texture.
- Mix the cocktail. I love this cocktail because it can all just be made in the glass you plan to serve it in. Stir together the bitters, whiskey, and syrup and add a large ice cube to the glass. Garnish with an orange peel. So easy!
If you do give this recipe a try, I love hearing about it! Leave a comment with a star rating below. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter and never miss a new recipe! You can also snap a photo & tag @JENNYGOYCOCHEA on Instagram.
More Easy Holiday Cocktails to Try
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Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz spiced cranberry syrup (recipe below)
- 2 dashes old fashioned bitters
- ice
- orange peel , for garnish
Spiced Cranberry Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 navel orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean , split open and scraped of seeds
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger , sliced
- 8 whole cloves
- 5 whole allspice berries
Instructions
- To make the syrup: Take a vegetable peeler and peel only the outermost layer of the orange, save one piece of orange peel for garnish. Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue to simmer on low until the syrup has reduced to 1 cup. Cool to room temperature and strain through a fine mesh strainer. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- To make the cocktail: In a double old fashioned glass, add the whiskey, bourbon and syrup. Add one large square or sphere ice cube and stir well with a cocktail serving spoon. Garnish with an orange peel.
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