Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• A fun twist on a classic old fashioned cocktail
• Homemade cranberry simple syrup can be used for a variety of drinks
• A great drink for Bourbon lovers!
• The spiced cranberry syrup will last a month in the refrigerator
• This is easily customizable to your tastes

What is in a classic Old Fashioned cocktail? 

A classic old fashioned cocktail is (with minor variations) simple syrup or muddled sugar, some type of whiskey - usually bourbon - and some type of bitters. A simple old fashioned cocktail is served over ice (usually a large format / big ice cube) and garnished with orange zest and/or a maraschino cherry.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this cranberry bourbon cocktail recipe:

Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 20 cranberries
• 5 cloves
• 5 allspice berries

Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

• Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup: This is a lovely simple syrup with a festive twist for this old fashioned
• Bourbon whiskey: Use whatever you like. We prefer a Kentucky bourbon in this cocktail.
• Cranberry Bitters: 3 dashes or bitters balances the sweetness and adds to the cranberry flavor of the simple syrup
• Rosemary Sprig: For garnish
• Maraschino Cherry: For garnish
• Orange twist (optional): For garnish and to express the zest over the final cocktail.

See recipe card below for quantities.

Substitutions

Here are a couple of common substitutions for the ingredients in this recipe:

• Bourbon: Other whiskeys can be substituted, such as Canadian, Scotch, Rye whiskey or even Irish whiskey. This all depends on your personal preference but you can use a variety of whiskies.
• Cranberry Bitters: You could use Angostura bitters, orange bitters, a combination or another type of bitters instead of cranberry if desired.

How to Make this Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

Once the simple syrup is made, which is not too difficult, the rest is a snap. Bourbon, cranberry bitters, and the prepared simple syrup are combined then poured over a large format ice cube in a low-ball glass and garnished with a rosemary sprig and maraschino cherry. This holiday cocktail is so easy to make for the perfect Christmas drink in a snap!

Equipment

Here is what you need to make this dish

• Small pot
• ​Cheese cloth or fine mesh sieve
• Bar glass or mixing glass for mixing the cocktail
• Bar spoon
• Large format ice cub trays
• Old fashioned glass / rocks glass

Make the Simple Syrup

• Add all ingredients to a medium pot and heat on medium high, stirring often. Once the syrup boils, turn the heat down to medium low and cover. Once the cranberries have popped, turn off the heat and uncover the pot. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, then strain through a cheesecloth or fine sieve and let cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.

Combine the Ingredients

• In a bar glass, combine the simple syrup, bourbon, and bitters. Stir to combine. 

Pour and Garnish

• In a lowball glass, add the ice cube. Pour the stirred mixture from the bar glass over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, a maraschino cherry, and, if desired, an orange peel to express the zest over the drink. Serve!

Variations

Here are a couple ways to change up this cranberry old fashioned recipe:

• Using a bold dark rum instead of bourbon is a nice twist to make a rum old fashioned. 
• Make the simple syrup with cherries, blueberries, raspberries or strawberries in the same way instead of cranberries for a summery version.
• Switch up the garnish and add a brûléed candied orange slice, sugared cranberries, or a cinnamon stick or star anise for an extra festive garnish! 

Storage

How to store leftover simple syrup:

• Store the extra simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Can you batch make this cocktail for a large crowd?

• You could certainly batch the cocktails for a holiday party. The only issue is measurement of the bitters. Start by adding a small amount and work your way up by taste. If you use the same ratio of bitters in larger quantities, your drink will not taste as good due to the concentrated flavor of the bitters, so add the bitters by taste for best results.

Troubleshooting

You should not experience any issues with this cocktail. If large format ice cubes are not available, simply use several cubes or stir with ice and serve up.

What appetizers to serve with a Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

You really can't go wrong with appetizers to pair with this cocktail. We love serving this with our Cranberry Serrano Glazed Meatballs or Asparagus and Mushroom Cheese Soufflé Bites.

What other drinks can you make with the spiced cranberry simple syrup?

Try out this simple syrup in our Frosted Cranberry gin cocktail!