Cranberry Bourbon Sour: A Festive Twist on a Whiskey Classic

The Cranberry Bourbon Sour is the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and boozy—a cocktail that feels right at home in both a cozy winter lodge and a lively holiday gathering. At its heart, it’s a classic whiskey sour with a seasonal twist: bourbon’s caramel-vanilla warmth mingles with bright cranberry and citrus for a cocktail that’s refreshing, balanced, and undeniably festive.

Think of it as the best of both worlds: the comfort of bourbon and the zing of cranberry, dressed up with a gorgeous jewel-toned color that makes it as eye-catching as it is delicious.

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Quick Facts: Cranberry Bourbon Sour

Method: shaken
Flavor profile: tart, warming, refreshing
How to serve it: up or over ice
Glassware: coupe or rocks glass
Alcohol content: ~18–20% ABV, ~18–22 grams alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cranberry juice (100% juice or cranberry cocktail depending on sweetness preference)
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (or maple syrup for a seasonal twist)
• 1 egg white (optional, for froth and silky texture)
• Garnish: cranberries, lemon wheel, or rosemary sprig
• Ice (cubed)

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Ingredient Notes

Bourbon:
Choose a bourbon with caramel, vanilla, or spice notes that complement cranberry. Great picks:

• Buffalo Trace (smooth, well-rounded)
• Bulleit Bourbon (spicier edge)
• Four Roses Small Batch (balanced fruit + oak)

Cranberry Juice:

• Pure cranberry juice = tart and bold
• Cranberry cocktail = sweeter and softer (reduce syrup if using)

Sweetener:

• Classic simple syrup balances acidity
• Maple syrup brings autumn depth and pairs beautifully with bourbon

Egg White:
Optional but recommended if you want a velvety texture and foamy head (like a Boston Sour variation).

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Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh if using egg white)
• Coupe or rocks glass
• Citrus juicer

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry shake (if using egg white).
Add bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white to shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to create foam.

2. Add ice and shake again.
Add ice to shaker and shake for another 10–15 seconds until chilled.

3. Strain and serve.
Strain into a coupe glass (up) or rocks glass (over ice).

4. Garnish.
Top with skewered cranberries, a lemon wheel, or a rosemary sprig for a festive touch.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Bourbon Sour is bright yet warming:

• First sip: Tart cranberry and lemon with a refreshing acidity
• Mid-palate: Bourbon’s caramel and oak richness
• Finish: Gentle sweetness, with lingering fruit and spice

Mouthfeel: Crisp and refreshing without egg white; silky and frothy with egg white.

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Garnishing and Presentation

Glassware:

• Coupe glass if serving “up” for elegance
• Rocks glass with a big ice cube for a more relaxed, sipping style

Garnish ideas:

• Skewered cranberries across the rim
• Rosemary sprig for a festive pine aroma
• Dehydrated lemon wheel for modern flair
• Sugared cranberries for a frosty holiday garnish

Pro tip: Freeze fresh cranberries and use them as garnish—they double as festive ice cubes.

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Pairing Suggestions

This cocktail pairs beautifully with holiday fare:

Savory:

• Roast turkey or chicken with cranberry glaze
• Cheese boards with brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar
• Herb-stuffed mushrooms
• Ham with maple glaze

Sweet:

• Cranberry-orange loaf
• Spiced gingerbread
• Pumpkin cheesecake
• Pecan pie bites

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Whiskey Sour has roots as far back as the mid-1800s, originally created to preserve citrus at sea and balance spirits with sugar. Adding cranberry is a modern, seasonal twist that leans into holiday flavors and festive presentation.

Interestingly, cranberry juice itself became a cocktail staple in the mid-20th century when brands like Ocean Spray promoted it heavily in mixed drinks. The cranberry-bourbon pairing, however, is a natural evolution—bringing tart fruit to bourbon’s natural sweetness.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cranberry Bourbon Sour:

• At Thanksgiving or Christmas as a festive pre-dinner cocktail
• For fall and winter happy hours as a seasonal alternative to Aperol Spritz or Negroni
• As an after-dinner sip for those who prefer something bright over heavy digestifs

Batching tip (for 6 servings):

• 12 oz bourbon
• 6 oz cranberry juice
• 4½ oz lemon juice
• 3 oz simple or maple syrup
  Dry shake individual portions if using egg white, or skip egg white for batching ease.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

At ~18–20% ABV, this cocktail is moderately strong but softened by juice and syrup.

To lower alcohol:

• Use 1½ oz bourbon and increase cranberry juice
• Serve over ice for dilution

Non-alcoholic version:

• Replace bourbon with NA whiskey (e.g., Spiritless Kentucky 74, Lyre’s) or apple cider
• Keep cranberry juice, lemon, and syrup the same

Other variations:

• Maple Cranberry Sour: Replace syrup with maple syrup for a richer fall flavor
• Spiced Cranberry Sour: Add a dash of cinnamon or clove bitters
• Cranberry Rye Sour: Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for spicier complexity

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is always better—the bright acidity makes the cocktail pop.

Is the egg white safe?
Yes, if you use fresh eggs or pasteurized egg whites. Aquafaba (chickpea brine) is a vegan alternative.

Can I use cranberry cocktail instead of pure juice?
Yes, but reduce the sweetener to avoid making it too sugary.

What’s the best bourbon for this?
Something balanced with caramel, vanilla, and spice—not too smoky or too oaky.

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Conclusion

The Cranberry Bourbon Sour is festive, vibrant, and beautifully balanced—a cocktail that highlights bourbon’s richness while celebrating cranberry’s tart bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or enjoying it as a cozy nightcap, it’s a seasonal sour that deserves a place in your cocktail rotation.