Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

I call this a Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail. It can also be called Christmas in a glass.

With just a few ingredients, this flavorful drink is perfect to serve at all your holiday parties.

Originally posted December 2014. I’ve since updated the post to include new photos, tips, frequently asked questions, and more detailed recipe information.

Why This Recipe Works

A few years ago I had a delicious spiced cranberry cocktail at Mozza and I had to figure out how to recreate it. It tasted like the holidays and I had to figure out how to get that flavor at home.

So I played around in the kitchen and came up with this recipe which I think is pretty dang close to the original.

The magic is in the Spiced Cranberry Juice. Bottled juice is infused with seasonal spices to create the perfect base for a delicious bourbon cocktail.

I love the vibrant color and the yummy, yummy flavor.

Once you make a batch of flavored juice, you can easily make several of these cocktails at one time which means this is THE drink to serve at all your holiday parties.

I also use that to make my Cranberry Moscow Mule. And this Cranberry Vodka Slush. It’s pure holiday magic.

Ingredient Notes

You simply start with store-bought cranberry juice and then jazz it up by infusing it with warm holiday spices. I shared this Spiced Cranberry Juice recipe in a separate post so be sure to check that out too.

With fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, the cranberry juice has all of your favorite flavors of the holiday season.

And with just a little bourbon and ginger beer, this spiced cranberry cocktail comes together really quickly.

How to make a Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Make a batch of the Spiced Cranberry Juice.

Add the infused cranberry juice and bourbon in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake it up.

Strain the cocktail into a glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and give it a little stir.

Grate some fresh nutmeg right on top of the Bourbon Cranberry cocktail. Your nose will thank you.

If you can’t find fresh whole nutmeg, you can use the ground. But fresh nutmeg is exceptional.

Holiday in a glass. Boom.

This is the perfect holiday party beverage. Or for a cozy night by a fire.

Holiday cocktails make me happy. Who am I kidding, any cocktails make me happy.

Also, this is basically a Moscow Mule thanks to the ginger beer. It would be absolutely delicious in a copper mug.

Tips and Tricks

• If you had to, you could use plain cranberry juice and still get a delicious drink. But the spices really make it next level.
• Freshly grated nutmeg is THE best. If you can’t find it in the regular spice aisle, find the ethnic foods section in your supermarket. They often have whole nutmeg and it’s usually cheaper than name brand!
• Make my Spiced Cranberry Juice ahead. It’s delicious, easy to make, and you’ll definitely want to have it on hand for entertaining all season long.
• Need a mocktail? Just leave out the bourbon! It will still be super tasty and refresihng.

Frequently Asked Questions

With a tart flavor and a bright pinky red color, this bourbon Christmas cocktail is one to sip and share while you’re waiting for Santa to arrive.

Related Recipes

• A Scotch Mule is smoky and refreshing. If you love whiskey, you’ll love this Mule that is perfect for winter.
• And Apple Cider Mule is fun to make and sip with friends. The addition of whiskey makes it full of flavor!
• Just 2 ingredients, this Fireball and Ginger Ale cocktail is super easy and delicious to drink!
• Want something warm and cozy without alcohol? Make this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider.

Or browse my cocktail collections: Vodka Recipes, Moscow Mule Variations, Wine Cocktails, Fireball Cocktails, Cocktails with Bitters, Cocktails Made with Coke or 2-Ingredient Cocktails.