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    Home » Recent Posts » Cocktail Recipes

    Cranberry Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

    Published: Nov 30, 2021 · Updated: Dec 6, 2021 by Katy McAvoy

    I love when you share my recipes!

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    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission.


    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. 

    Cranberry Old Fashioned

    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

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    Slow Cooker Savory Spiced Nuts

    How to Make Cranberry Orange Syrup

    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.

    Don’t Miss These Old Fashioned Cocktails 

    Coffee Old Fashioned
    Coffee Old Fashioned
    Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail
    Classic Old Fashioned

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    Print the Recipe

    Print

    Cranberry Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

    Cranberry Old Fashioned
    Print Recipe
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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.

    • Author: Katy McAvoy
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 0 min
    • Total Time: 5 min
    • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
    • Category: Cocktails
    • Method: Stir
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 oz bourbon
    • 1 oz cranberry orange simple syrup
    • ½ oz ginger liqueur
    • 2 dashes orange bitters
    • Twist of orange peel

    Instructions

    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. 

    Garish with a twist of orange peel and fresh cranberries. 

    Equipment

    Image of Mixing Glass

    Mixing Glass

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    Image of Rocks Glass

    Rocks Glass

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    Image of Orange Bitters

    Orange Bitters

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    Notes

    Make your syrup ahead of time so it has time to cool completely before using. 

    Keywords: cranberry old fashioned, christmas old fashioned, bourbon cocktail, holiday cocktail

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me @katymcavoy on Instagram! I can’t wait to see what you made!

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    I love when you share my recipes!

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    About Katy McAvoy

    Katy is the author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, and Michigander behind MittenGirl.com. Since 2017, she's been crafting easy-to-make cocktails and delicious meals, along with sharing her love of all things Michigan (a.k.a. The Mitten)!

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    Katy McAvoy

    Hi! I’m Katy (she/her). I’m an author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, Michigander, and lover of all things food and drink. I never turn down a good happy hour and believe that a couple hours of meal prep pays off for days. Follow me on Instagram to check out what I’m working on next!

    More about me →

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