This Christmas Bourbon Cocktail is a festive drink that warms you up inside. It blends smooth bourbon with sweet and spicy flavors like cinnamon and orange.
It’s like a cozy hug in a glass! I love serving it during holiday gatherings—everyone races to the drink table. Just mix, sip, and feel the holiday spirit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: Choose a smooth, quality bourbon for the best flavor. If bourbon is not your thing, you can substitute it with rye whiskey for a spicier kick or even a dark rum for a different twist.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh juice works wonders for brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Cranberry Simple Syrup: Making your own syrup is easy and fresh! If pressed for time, store-bought cranberry juice mixed with sugar can be a quick alternative, just be mindful of the sweetness.
Angostura Bitters: Bitters add depth to your cocktail. If you don’t have bitters, a splash of orange juice can provide a hint of citrus flavor, but it’s not quite the same. Consider exploring different bitters like orange bitters for a unique twist!
How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Simple Syrup?
Creating cranberry simple syrup at home is simple and adds a personal touch to your cocktail. Here’s the breakdown:
- Combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium until it reaches a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst, and the mixture thickens. Remember to strain out the solids afterward!
- Let it cool before using. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks!
This syrup is a great addition not just for cocktails but also in desserts or as a drizzle for breakfast items!
Christmas Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz cranberry simple syrup (see note)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- For the Cranberry Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 15 minutes to prepare, not including the time needed to cool your cranberry simple syrup. Making the syrup will take around 10-15 minutes as it simmers, and you can chill it while you mix your cocktail.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cranberry Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, water, and sugar. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst and the syrup thickens. Remove from heat and strain out the solids through a fine sieve into a bowl, then set the syrup aside to cool.
2. Prepare Your Cocktail:
Once your cranberry syrup is cool, grab your cocktail shaker. Pour in the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, cranberry simple syrup, and add the dashes of Angostura bitters. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This will ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and chilled!
3. Serve and Garnish:
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes. For an elegant touch, garnish your cocktail by skewering fresh cranberries on a pick and place it across the top of the glass. Then, twist a piece of orange peel over the drink to release its fragrant oils and drop it into the glass.
4. Enjoy the Festive Flavor:
Finally, serve your Christmas Bourbon Cocktail immediately and enjoy the festive flavors with friends and family. It’s the perfect drink to warm your spirits during the holiday season!
Cheers and happy holidays!
Can I Use Different Fruit for the Simple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cranberries with other fruits like pomegranate, blueberries, or even a mix of citrus fruits. Just keep the water-to-sugar ratio the same for a consistent sweetness!
What If I Don’t Have Angostura Bitters?
No worries! You can omit the bitters if you don’t have any on hand. A splash of orange juice or a hint of cinnamon can add some nice depth to the flavor as an alternative.
How Can I Make This Cocktail Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of cranberry simple syrup to 1/2 oz or even opt for unsweetened cranberry juice instead. Adjusting the lemon juice can help balance out the flavors too!
How Should I Store the Leftover Cranberry Simple Syrup?
Store any leftover cranberry simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to two weeks, making it perfect for making more cocktails or drizzling over desserts later!