Description
Cranberry bourbon smash is a vibrant, refreshing cocktail featuring bourbon, fresh cranberries, mint, orange juice, and simple syrup. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or festive occasions. Easily made into a mocktail or adjusted for low-sugar preferences.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
– 2 oz bourbon (substitute rye whiskey, spiced rum, or non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or ginger ale for mocktail)
– ¼ cup fresh cranberries (avoid frozen as they may water down the drink)
– 6–8 mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 oz fresh orange juice
– ¾ oz simple syrup (substitute maple syrup if desired)
For Garnish:
– Crushed ice
– Dried blood orange wheel (optional)
– Fresh cranberries
– Mint sprig
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, combine fresh cranberries and mint leaves. Gently muddle for about 30 seconds until the cranberries release their juices and the mint becomes fragrant. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.
- Add bourbon, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup to the muddled mixture.
- If using a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. If mixing in a glass, stir well to combine.
- Fill a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass with crushed ice, packing it gently to create texture.
- Strain the cocktail mixture over the crushed ice using a fine-mesh strainer to catch muddled pieces while allowing the liquid to flow through.
- Garnish with a dried blood orange wheel, fresh cranberries, and a mint sprig. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
– Use quality bourbon: A smooth finish enhances the overall flavor of the cocktail.
– Avoid frozen cranberries: They may not muddle well and can water down the drink.
– Storage: Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Muddle cranberries and mint ahead of time but assemble the cocktail just before serving to maintain freshness.
– Customizations: Add cinnamon, cloves, or ginger for warmth. Swap bourbon with rye whiskey or spiced rum for variety. Create a mocktail by substituting bourbon with sparkling water or ginger ale.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks / Cocktails
- Method: Mixing / Shaking
- Cuisine: Festive / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (based on 1 serving per recipe)
- Calories: ~200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg