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Perfect Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour Recipe for Holidays

cranberry orange whiskey sour - featured image

A festive twist on the classic whiskey sour, combining tart cranberries, zesty orange, and smooth whiskey for a holiday-ready cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 ounces fresh orange juice
  • 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon recommended)
  • 1 ounce cranberry syrup
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional garnishes: sugared cranberries, orange slices, sprig of rosemary

Instructions

  1. Make the Cranberry Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, mashing the cranberries as they soften. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing the solids to extract all the juice. Let the syrup cool completely.
  2. Squeeze the Orange Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. You’ll need about 2 ounces for each cocktail.
  3. Prepare Your Cocktail Shaker: Add ice cubes to your shaker, followed by 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of cranberry syrup, 1 ounce of orange juice, and 1/2 ounce of lemon juice.
  4. Shake It Up: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels icy cold.
  5. Pour and Garnish: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Garnish with sugared cranberries, an orange twist, or a sprig of rosemary for extra flair.

Notes

[‘Taste your cocktail before serving—adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.’, ‘Cranberry syrup can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.’, ‘Chill all ingredients for the best results.’, ‘Experiment with different types of whiskey for varied flavor profiles.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday cocktail, whiskey sour, cranberry orange cocktail, festive drink, Christmas cocktail