This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on the classic drink! It combines tart cranberry juice with smooth whiskey and a hint of sweetness for a refreshing sip.
I love making this drink during the holidays—it really puts everyone in a festive mood! Just mix, pour, and share with friends. Cheers to easy entertaining! 🥃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: Use bourbon for a sweeter flavor or rye for a spicier kick. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using whiskey-flavored syrup mixed with soda water.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for maximum flavor! If you’re in a hurry, bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh has that extra brightness.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is my go-to for a more tart drink. If you prefer sweeter, look for lightly sweetened versions or even cranberry juice cocktail. Just adjust the simple syrup accordingly!
Simple Syrup: You can make your own by dissolving sugar in equal parts water. For a healthier twist, use honey or agave syrup as a substitute.
Egg White: This ingredient adds frothiness, but feel free to skip it if you’re not keen on raw eggs. You could use aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan alternative!
How Do You Get That Perfect Frothy Texture?
The key to the perfect frothy drink is in the dry shake method! This technique helps emulsify the egg white to create a creamy foam. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This creates the necessary foam.
- Add ice and shake again until chilled. This gives you the refreshingly cold drink you want while maintaining that beautiful foam.
Be sure to strain it into your glass to keep the foam intact! Enjoy your cocktail with friends and impress them with your mixology skills!
Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 0.75 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Sprig of pine or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
- Sugar (for dusting cranberries, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You will spend about 5 minutes gathering your ingredients, and another 5 minutes mixing and shaking the drink. It’s quick and easy—perfect for when friends drop by unexpectedly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Garnish:
If you want a touch of glam, lightly dust fresh cranberries with sugar and set them aside. This makes a beautiful frosted garnish for your drink.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Grab a shaker and combine the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if you’re using it). Make sure all the ingredients are ready to go for a smooth mix!
3. Dry Shake:
Now for the fun part! Dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white and creates a lovely foam. Don’t skip this step; it’s what gives your drink that creamy, frothy texture!
4. Shake with Ice:
Add ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously until the mixture is well chilled. You want it nice and cool for sipping!
5. Strain Into Glass:
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice, making sure to keep that lovely foam intact on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your masterpiece by garnishing with the sugared cranberries skewered on a cocktail pick and, if you like, a small sprig of pine or rosemary for that special holiday feel.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and take a moment to enjoy the beautiful colors and aromas before you sip. You’re in for a treat with this vibrant and delicious Cranberry Whiskey Sour!
This cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings, combining the tartness of cranberry and lemon with the warmth of whiskey and a touch of sweetness. Cheers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Whiskey?
Absolutely! While bourbon provides a sweeter flavor, rye whiskey offers a spicier kick. Feel free to choose your favorite whiskey or even experiment with different types to find your perfect blend!
Is the Egg White Necessary?
No, the egg white is optional! It adds a lovely frothiness and creamy texture to the drink, but you can skip it if you’re not comfortable with raw eggs. Alternatively, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan option that creates a similar foam.
Can I Make This Drink Without Simple Syrup?
Yes, you can! If you’d like to reduce sweetness, simply omit the simple syrup or balance the tartness with a little extra cranberry juice. You can also use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener if preferred.
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
For any leftover juices, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They should be good for up to 3 days. Keep egg whites tightly sealed in the refrigerator if you have any left over as well, but try to use them as soon as possible for best freshness!