Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe
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This cranberry whiskey sour gives the classic cocktail a holiday twist. It’s ready in minutes and great for solo sips or full pitchers.
Stir up some holiday happiness, literally, with this festive twist on whiskey sour.
Cranberry and orange liqueur’s sweet-tart flavors perfectly accompany bourbon’s warmth. (Sorry, lemon and lime, you’re sitting this one out.)
You won’t need a fancy cocktail shaker, and it’s perfect this holiday season, whether in a personal glass or a party pitcher.
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Is your holiday drink menu already set? Add vegan eggnog and Christmas sangria to your lineup, and spread cheer while saying, “Cheers!” this season!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe
- With its gorgeous color, festive garnishes, and cranberry twist, this cranberry whiskey sour is like a holiday in a glass!
- Sweet, refreshing, and warming, this cranberry bourbon sour is the perfect cocktail if you’re looking for something new to add to your rotation.
- Since it’s stirred and not shaken, this cranberry whiskey cocktail is easy to batch for a party.
Ingredients And Substitutions
Simple Syrup:
Stevia powder and water – You only need 2 ingredients to make simple syrup from scratch! However, feel free to experiment with your sweetener for this Christmas cranberry cocktail. Maple syrup is another delicious option!
Cranberry Whiskey Sour:
Bourbon – You don’t have to use the most expensive bourbon since you’ll mix it with other ingredients. The sweet-tart taste of cranberry whiskey sour will also go well with rye whiskey‘s spicy, peppery note.
Unsweetened cranberry juice – The vibrant red color and cranberry’s sweet flavor give this whiskey sour a holiday-ready makeover. Cranberry bitters will also make a nice addition to give the mixed drink complexity.
Orange liqueur – We’ll swap classic whiskey sour’s lemon juice with orange liqueur for this Christmas cranberry cocktail.
Simple syrup – Reduce the amount if your cranberry juice is already sweetened!
Crushed ice – If making a big batch of this cranberry whiskey sour, add the crushed ice right before serving. You can also treat frozen cranberries as “ice cubes” in your festive cocktail.
Optional Garnishes:
Sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and fresh rosemary – The perfect festive touch for this holiday-ready cranberry whiskey sour. You can even fill ice cube trays with rosemary sprigs and cranberries before adding the water for holiday ice cubes!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Make the Simple Syrup in Advance
You can make the simple syrup ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Here’s a more in-depth recipe for homemade stevia simple syrup.
Spice Up Your Sweetener
Turn your simple syrup into a spiced cranberry simple syrup! Add fresh cranberries, cinnamon, and star anise to the pan with water and stevia powder. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, strain the simple syrup and cool.
Add Some Bubbles
Top your cranberry whiskey sour with ginger beer to add some fizz. If you want a warming zing to this holiday cocktail, some muddled fresh ginger will also be perfect.
Whiskey Cranberry Sour Recipe FAQs
What is a whiskey sour?
Whiskey sour is a cocktail that combines whiskey, lemon juice, and sweetener. In this orange cranberry whiskey sour, we’ve given the mixed drink a holiday twist by adding cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of stevia powder?
Sure! Just remember the ratio of one part water to one part sugar.
What kind of whiskey should I use for whiskey sour?
Bourbon is the best choice for this cranberry whiskey cocktail because of its warm, sweet flavor. Irish whiskey will also work. The bottom line is you don’t want anything too harsh for this fun holiday drink.
What garnishes go with whiskey cranberry cocktail?
You can use the garnishes we included in our recipe or opt for traditional whiskey sour garnishes like a sugar rim, maraschino cherries, an orange peel, or a slice of lemon.
Can I make this in a large batch for a holiday party?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests or servings for the party, and mix the cranberry orange whiskey sour in a pitcher. Just add the crushed ice and garnishes when you’re about to serve the cocktail.
More Delicious Vegan Drinks
- Natural Whiskey Sour
- Hemlock Drink
- Lightened Up Pink Starburst Cocktail
- 3-Ingredient Vodka Drinks (4 Ways)
- Water Moccasin Shot
I found this recipe for Vegan Jelly Tequila Cocktails that I HAVE to try!
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Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Equipment
Ingredients
Simple Syrup:
- 1/4 cup stevia powder
- 1/4 cup water
Cranberry Whiskey Sour:
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
Optional Garnishes:
Instructions
- Add the water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the stevia powder and simmer until it dissolves completely.
- Remove the simple syrup from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup to a lowball glass.
- Add a handful of crushed ice and stir.
- Top with the garnishes, and cheers!
Notes
- You can make the simple syrup ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Here’s a more in-depth recipe for homemade stevia simple syrup.
- Turn your simple syrup into a spiced cranberry simple syrup! Add fresh cranberries, cinnamon, and star anise to the pan with water and stevia powder. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, strain the simple syrup and cool.
- Top your cranberry whiskey sour with ginger beer to add some fizz. If you want a warming zing to this holiday cocktail, some muddled fresh ginger will also be perfect.
PIN FOR LATER!
