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Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe

Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe

Welcome! If you love a classic Old Fashioned, you’ll enjoy this festive Cranberry Old Fashioned cocktail. I’ve combined smooth bourbon, tart cranberry syrup, aromatic bitters, and fresh citrus to create a perfectly balanced holiday bourbon drink that’s both timeless and vibrant for seasonal entertaining.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 Cocktails
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cocktail
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • ½ oz homemade cranberry syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Large ice cube
  • Orange peel -for garnish
  • Fresh cranberries – optional garnish
For Homemade Cranberry Syrup
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Old-Fashioned glass

Method
 

  1. How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine:
    Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
  2. 1 cup cranberries
  3. 1 cup water
  4. ¾ cup sugar
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften.
  6. Stir occasionally. Once the berries have released their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, remove from heat.
  7. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or jar. Press lightly to extract the liquid but avoid forcing too much pulp through.
  8. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail
  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
    Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
  2. Add:
  3. 2 oz bourbon
  4. ½ oz cranberry syrup
  5. 2 dashes bitters
  6. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
  1. Place a large clear ice cube into an Old Fashioned glass.
    Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
  2. Strain the cocktail over the ice.
  3. Hold a strip of orange peel over the glass and gently twist to release the oils. Rub the peel along the rim, then drop it into the drink.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive presentation.

Notes

The Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe is a beautiful seasonal twist on a timeless classic. It delivers bold bourbon warmth balanced with bright cranberry tartness and aromatic citrus oils. Simple ingredients, quick preparation, and stunning presentation make this cocktail a must-try for fall and winter entertaining.