This festive cocktail is a merry mix of holiday cheer! With flavors of cranberry, orange, and just a hint of spice, it will warm you right up during the chilly season.
It’s perfect for parties or cozy nights with friends! I love to sip it while wrapping gifts—just don’t let the jingle bells distract you from your task. 🎁🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice gives this cocktail a tart balance. If you prefer it sweeter, you could use sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail, but be mindful of the added sugars.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings brightness and freshness. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought juice, but opt for 100% juice if possible to avoid extra sugars.
Bourbon: This spirit adds warmth and depth. If you prefer something lighter, consider using spiced rum or even a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute for a family-friendly version.
Triple Sec: This orange liqueur provides a nice sweetness. You can substitute with any orange-flavored liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier, or omit it for a less sweet drink.
Simple Syrup: Adjust the sweetness to your liking! You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water until dissolved. Alternatively, honey or agave syrup make great substitutes.
How Do You Create the Perfect Holiday Cocktail?
Mixing up a beautiful holiday cocktail can feel challenging, but it’s all about balancing flavors and presentation. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Mix the juices and spirits in a pitcher. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Use ice cubes in your glasses to chill the drink. You can even freeze cranberries in the ice cubes for a festive touch!
- Always finish with a sparkle! Adding sparkling water or club soda right before serving gives a nice fizziness and lightens the drink.
- Garnishing makes a big difference; fresh cranberries and rosemary not only look pretty but also enhance the aroma.
Enjoy the process and have fun celebrating the season with a toast to good times and great company!
Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Sprig of rosemary (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting cranberries)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix, so you can be ready to celebrate in no time! Just throw together the ingredients, garnish, and enjoy—perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, bourbon, triple sec, simple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir everything together well, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.
2. Preparing the Glasses:
Grab your serving glasses and fill each one with ice cubes. This will keep your cocktails nice and cool as you sip!
3. Pouring the Cocktail:
Now, pour the prepared cocktail mixture into each glass, filling them about 3/4 of the way. The glasses should have enough space for the fizzy top!
4. Adding Some Fizz:
Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. This adds a refreshing fizz to your drink, making it lively and merrier!
5. Adding Garnishes:
For a fun and festive touch, thread fresh cranberries onto small cocktail picks or skewers. If you like, you can lightly dust the cranberries with powdered sugar for a frosty appearance.
6. Finishing Touches:
Garnish each glass with your cranberry skewer and a sprig of rosemary for an elegant holiday touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cocktails immediately and enjoy the festive flavors of this jolly holiday drink with friends and family. Cheers to good times and holiday spirit!
This cocktail combines bright cranberry and orange notes with warm spices and smooth bourbon, making it a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Enjoy your festive cheer! 🎉🍹
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon and triple sec with non-alcoholic versions or simply skip them altogether. Use additional cranberry and orange juices to maintain the flavor profile, and perhaps add a splash of vanilla extract for depth.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
To adjust the sweetness, simply modify the amount of simple syrup or even omit it altogether if you prefer a tarter drink. You can always taste and add more syrup to your liking after mixing the cocktail.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the cranberry juice, orange juice, bourbon, triple sec, cinnamon, and nutmeg ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated, and add the sparkling water and ice right before serving to keep it refreshing and fizzy.
What Other Garnishes Can I Use?
In addition to cranberries and rosemary, you can also use orange slices, candied ginger, or even cinnamon sticks for a festive flair. Get creative with what you have on hand!