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Christmas Cranberry Cocktail

This Christmas cranberry cocktail is a festive drink to make on a cozy holiday evening or serve at a holiday party. It's made with bourbon, cranberries, and orange liquor and served over a big cube. 
Course Cocktails
Cuisine American
Keyword bourbon, cranberries
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz cranberry simple syrup or 1/2 ounce cranberry juice and 1/2 ounce plain simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • A handful of fresh cranberries for garnish
  • Sprig of rosemary for garnish
  • Ice cubes for shaking
  • A large cube for serving

For cranberry simple syrup:

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

  • Start by making cranberry simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup cranberries. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries have begun to pop open. Allow it to cool slightly before straining. Alternatively you can use a pre-made simple syrup.
  • Pour the cooked cranberries into a colander over a small bowl and press to release all the juice.
  • Add bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and ice to the shaker.
  • Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
  • Add large cube to a cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the glass.
  • Garnish with a twist of orange peel, a sprig of fresh rosemary for an evergreen look or a few more fresh floating cranberries.