Cranberry Old Fashioned

This Cranberry Old Fashioned combines classic bourbon warmth with a fresh cranberry twist for the holidays. Crafted with homemade cranberry simple syrup, this cocktail is both easy and impressive, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. It’s a seasonal sip that’s simple to make but rich in flavor, giving you a signature holiday drink you’ll love sharing.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times: “When hosting a gathering, have a signature cocktail.” My Thanksgiving and holiday libation of house? A Cranberry Old Fashioned. Let’s shake one up and get this party started.

The holidays are the perfect time to bring out those cozy, crowd-pleasing holiday drinks, and this Cranberry Old Fashioned is ready to steal the show. With its rich bourbon base and homemade cranberry simple syrup, this cocktail captures the flavors of the season in a simple, elegant glass. Not only is it beautiful to look at—hello, vibrant cranberry hue!—but it’s also incredibly easy to put together, making it ideal for entertaining or just cozying up by the fire. This drink feels like a modern take on a classic, with a holiday twist that keeps things fresh yet familiar.

It’s fun to serve a unique cocktail when you’re entertaining. It gives your guests a chance to try something new, and it can be a delightful complement to your menu. I’ve recently been enjoying the classic Old Fashioned, so I thought I’d craft one inspired by the cranberry. Thus, this Cranberry Old Fashioned was born.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The perfect balance of cozy and refreshing flavors – with bourbon’s warmth and cranberry’s tart sweetness, this cocktail brings together the best of holiday tastes. It’s a simple drink that feels special enough for celebrations but remains approachable for anyone to make.
• A holiday signature with a twist – this Cranberry Old Fashioned brings seasonal charm to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or a cozy Christmas party, this cocktail stands out with its beautiful color and festive garnishes that will get everyone into the holiday spirit.
• Easy to make, easy to enjoy – with just a handful of ingredients, this cocktail is perfect for busy hosts and cocktail newbies alike. There’s no need for complicated techniques here, making it an ideal addition to your holiday lineup.

I love trying out and mixing up new cocktails, especially for the holiday season. In fact, I have an entire blog post dedicated to my favorite Christmas cocktails. There are over 20 recipes, and they cover everything from punches to mulled wine to martinis and so much more.

Ingredients

Before we can make and enjoy this Cranberry Old Fashioned let’s gather up all the ingredients we will need.

• Bourbon Whiskey – A rich and robust spirit that brings warmth and depth to this cocktail, perfectly balancing with the tart cranberry.
• Cranberry Simple Syrup – Made with fresh cranberries, this syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of cranberry flavor, elevating the drink with homemade flair. (I’ll teach out how to make this below.)
• Angostura Bitters – Just a few shakes add a hint of spice and complexity, enhancing the flavors of both the bourbon and cranberry.
• Orange Peel – Adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the cranberry and bourbon, giving the cocktail a lively finish.
• Fresh Cranberries and Rosemary – A festive garnish that looks beautiful but also make each sip even cozier.

How to Make

1. Start by making the Cranberry Simple Syrup. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and one cup of fresh cranberries to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 4-5 minutes. Strain with a fine mesh sieve. Cool before serving.

2. Now, let’s make the cocktail. In a serving glass with ice, stir together the bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, and bitters.

3. Garnish with orange peel, fresh cranberries, and rosemary.

It doesn’t get easier than that!

If you’re on the hunt for a signature holiday drink that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this Cranberry Old Fashioned is a must-try. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels special without being fussy, and that’s exactly what I love about it. You can whip it up in minutes, yet it has that thoughtful, homemade touch that guests always appreciate. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best type of bourbon to use for this cocktail?

Choose a quality bourbon that you enjoy on its own since its flavors are central to the cocktail. A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon pairs beautifully with the cranberry, but feel free to use a more robust variety if you prefer a bolder flavor profile. My go-to is Four Roses Single Barrel.

How do I make sure the cocktail isn’t too sweet?

The balance is key here, and the cranberry simple syrup provides a touch of sweetness without overpowering the drink. However, you can adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste. If you like a drier cocktail, start with a smaller amount, then taste and add more if needed.

Can I make a batch of Cranberry Old Fashioneds for a crowd?

Yes, this cocktail can easily be scaled up! Simply mix the bourbon, cranberry syrup, and bitters in a large pitcher (without ice) and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Pour into individual glasses with ice and add garnishes right before serving for a perfectly festive touch.

More Cranberry Cocktails You Will Love

• Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddies
• Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
• Cranberry Manhattan
• Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail
• Cranberry Maple Bourbon Cocktail

I hope you enjoyed this delicious holiday cocktail recipe! If you try my Cranberry Old Fashioned, I’d love to hear! Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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