Cranberry Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

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Cranberry, orange, and ginger are the ultimate holiday trio. Pair them with bourbon, and you have the ultimate holiday drink in this Cranberry Old Fashioned.

Cranberries get the spotlight during the holiday season, showing up everywhere from Thanksgiving tables to Christmas tree garland. And because the flavor pairs so well with so many spirits, cranberries are also featured in all kinds of drinks.

This cranberry bourbon cocktail skips the cinnamon sticks and dials up the simple syrup with a cranberry orange version that’s super easy to make. It’s a spin on a classic cocktail that’ll have you making it an Old Fashioned Christmas with a Christmas Old Fashioned. Or rather, a Cranberry Old Fashioned. 😉

What You Need

Ingredients for a Cranberry Old Fashioned

Bourbon
Cranberry orange simple syrup
Ginger liqueur
Orange bitters
Orange peel
Cranberries (for garnish)

How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine bourbon, cranberry orange syrup, ginger liqueur and orange bitters.

Stir for 10-15 seconds to chill your drink.

Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Pouring a Cranberry Old Fashioned into a glass.

Garish with a twist of orange peel and fresh cranberries.

Happy Hour Snack Pairings

BBQ Oyster crackers in a bowl — BBQ Oyster Crackers

How to Make Cranberry Orange Syrup

You’ll want to make your cranberry orange syrup a few hours in advance of making your cocktail so you have time for it to chill. >Get the Recipe for Cranberry Orange Syrup

Tips on Cranberry Old Fashioned

What kind of bourbon should I use?

Your favorite bourbon will work great in this recipe. Don't have a favorite? New to bourbon? Try Bulleit Bourbon or Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Both are widely available in the U.S. and will be delicious in this cocktail.

What can I use instead of orange bitters?

If you don't have orange bitters on hand, you can use Aromatic Bitter instead. However, this will give the drink more of a spiced flavor.

Don't have a mixing glass?

Use a wide mouth, pint mason jar instead of a mixing glass! Set the flat lid of the mason jar slightly askew and hold it down firmly to pour your drink without a hawthorne strainer.

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Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail — Classic Old Fashioned

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Cranberry Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

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Cranberry, orange, and ginger are the ultimate holiday trio. Pair them with bourbon, and you have the ultimate holiday drink in this Cranberry Old Fashioned.