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Looking for a cocktail that combines the warmth of whiskey with the festive flavors of cranberry and bright citrus? This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour will be your new holiday favorite.

Two glasses of cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail garnished with orange slices.

A fun twist on the classic whiskey sour, this whiskey cocktail is the perfect holiday cocktail, blending rich bourbon with the tart sweetness of homemade cranberry orange syrup and the bright zest of fresh lemon. The result? A cocktail that's equal parts cozy and refreshing, perfect for sipping by the fireplace or at your next holiday party.

What really sets this delicious recipe apart is the cranberry orange syrup. It’s super simple to make with just four ingredients, but it adds a burst of holiday cheer to every sip. No cranberry juice or cinnamon sticks for this recipe. You'll love how the homemade simple syrup enhances the depth of the bourbon while balancing out the tartness from the lemon.

And if you're looking to level up the texture of your cocktail, try adding an egg white for that signature silky, frothy finish (or go for aquafaba if you prefer a vegan option!). Both options will give you perfect white foam on the top of your drink.

The best part? This cocktail is incredibly easy to shake up at home. With just a few simple steps, you can create a professional-quality drink right in your kitchen!

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or just starting to experiment with cocktails, this Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is sure to impress. Grab your ingredients, shake it up, and toast to the holiday season!

What’s in a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour?

The ingredients for a cranberry orange whiskey sour.

Bourbon whiskey - I love using bourbon in this cocktail, but it’s delicious with straight whiskey or rye whiskey as well. What kind of whiskey should you use? The best whiskey is your favorite whiskey, so choose your fave for this drink. Don't have a favorite? Try a classic like Jack Daniels or Makers Mark.
Cranberry orange syrup - Easily made with 4 ingredients including orange peel and fresh cranberries, this delicious syrup is bringing the holiday flavor and sweetness to this drink. Find the recipe over on my cranberry orange syrup page.
A lemon - Fresh lemon juice is best in any cocktail. You’ll need about half a lemon for this cocktail.
An egg white (optional) - I love the creaminess an egg white gives a cocktail. If you don’t like it, you can absolutely skip it. You can also use aquafaba or Fee Foam Cocktail Foamer as non-egg alternatives to creating a frothy cocktail without using an egg white.
Fresh cranberries and orange (garnish) - Fresh orange slices and cranberries make quick and easy garnishes for this drink. Choose whatever you have on hand.

How to Make a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail

A hand pouring cranberry orange syrup into a cocktail shaker.

In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, cranberry orange syrup, fresh lemon juice, and an egg white.

A hand dropping a ball whisk into a cocktail shaker.

Add a ball whisk to your shaker. Cover and dry shake (with no ice) for 20 seconds, pausing to release any pressure that builds up in your cocktail shaker.

Note: Do not ignore the pressure build up or try to muscle through it. You'll end up exploding the cocktail all over your kitchen. (Trust me on this!)

A pair of metal tongs removing a ball whisk from a cocktail shaker.

Remove the whisk from the shaker.

A metal scoop pouring ice into a cocktail shaker.

Add a handful of ice cubes, cover and shake again for 10-20 seconds until the drink is cold.

Cocktail being poured from a cocktail shaker, through a fine mesh sieve, into a small cocktail glass.

Double strain your cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a Nick and Nora glass.

A hand placing a small slice of orange onto the side of a small cocktail glass filled with cranberry orange whiskey sour.

Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and/or a small orange slice.

Sip and enjoy!

Want More Cranberry Cocktails?

There are lots of delicious cranberry drink recipes beyond a basic vodka cranberry. The tartness of cranberries lends itself to so many tasty sips. Try a classic cocktail like a Cosmopolitan, or change it up with my Orange Ginger Gin cocktail, Cranberry Mimosas, or Cranberry Gin cocktail with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Homemade Cranberry Orange Syrup

With only 4 ingredients - including fresh orange juice and fresh cranberries - cranberry orange homemade simple syrup is easy to make in less than 10 minutes. Get all the ingredients and instructions over on my cranberry orange syrup recipe page.

Looking for More Easy Holiday Drinks and Winter Cocktails?

Cozy up with warm winter flavors! Use some of that cranberry orange syrup in this Cranberry Old Fashioned, combine fresh pears and rosemary simple syrup in a Pear Gin Cocktail, make an easy Bourbon Ginger Cocktail topped with ginger beer, or warm up with a Maple Hot Toddy made with pure maple syrup.

Simple Homemade Bar Snacks

If I’m sipping, I’m snacking! 😉 I love a good bar snack with my cocktails. Make some Savory Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts or BBQ Oyster Crackers for your next happy hour.

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