• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cocktails
  • Entertaining
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cocktails
    • Entertaining
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Cocktails » Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

    Published: Sep 14, 2023 · Updated: Sep 14, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe in a glass with greenery along side.
    Text: The best spiced cranberry bourbon cocktail with two glasses holding a cranberry bourbon cocktail on a table.

    This Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail recipe can also be called Christmas in a glass! With just four simple ingredients, this flavorful, slightly fizzy drink is ready in moments, perfect to serve at all your upcoming holiday parties.

    Overhead view of a Cranberry Bourbon cocktail in a glass.
    The perfect bourbon Christmas drink!
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this Chistmasy Bourbon Cocktail recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • To Serve
    • Tips and Tricks
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More easy cocktail recipes perfect for fall
    • Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

    Why you'll love this Chistmasy Bourbon Cocktail recipe

    This Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is quick and easy and full of the delicious seasonal flavor that you crave this time of year.

    It's the perfect bourbon cocktail for a holiday party. But is just as good for a cozy night by a fire.

    With a tart flavor and a bright pinky-red color, this spiced bourbon cocktail is one to sip and share while you're waiting for Santa to arrive!

    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.

    Related: Christmas Bourbon Cocktails

    The magic in this Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail 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.

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

    Candy cane martinis on a table with text next to it.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for a Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail.
    What you need to make a Bourbon Cranberry cocktail.
    • Spiced Cranberry Juice (which needs cranberry juice, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks and nutmeg)
    • Bourbon
    • Ginger Beer

    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. You can use whiskey if you don't have bourbon.

    Directions

    Cocktail shaker on a table with cocktail ingredients.

    Step 1

    Make a batch of the Spiced Cranberry Juice.

    This is best done the day before since you will need to let the cranberry juice cool completely.

    Step 2

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

    Cranberry cocktail on a table next to a bottle of ginger beer.

    Step 3

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

    Related: Bar Tool Essentials

    Woman grating fresh nutmeg over the top of a cocktail.

    To Serve

    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.

    Close up of a bourbon Christmas cocktail on a table.

    I wish I had one of these bourbon and cranberry cocktails right now! The flavor is so yummy!

    Tips and Tricks

    • 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! You can use ground if you have to.
    • 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 refreshing.
    2 glasses of a cranberry cocktail as eyes for a happy face on a table.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use a cranberry juice cocktail instead?

    Normally, I would tell you to play with your food (or in this case a cocktail), but the Spiced Cranberry Juice really adds a depth and warmth that you just won't get from a bottled and very sweet cranberry juice cocktail.

    What brand of bourbon works best?

    You can use whichever bourbon you love or have on hand. Two of my favorites are Four Roses and Bulliet. You don't need to use something super pricey. But you should like flavor of it on its own (even if you don't usually drink it that way).

    Can I make a large batch of bourbon and cranberry for Christmas parties?

    I recommend making a large batch of my Spiced Cranberry Juice and then making individual cocktails. Or you can make the the cranberry juice then add the bourbon and keep in the fridge. But you'll need to wait to add the ginger beer until serving. You could easily use this recipe as a signature cocktail for your holiday party and have the recipe available for guests to do their own mixing!

    2 cocktail glasses with a cranberry drink in them.

    You need to give this spiced bourbon cocktail a try!

    Opt In form for a New Year's Eve Party Planner.

    More easy cocktail recipes perfect for fall

    • Warm Winter Sangria
    • Easy Pear Martini Recipe
    • Best Cranberry Moscow Mule for Christmas
    • Blood Orange Moscow Mule (with a twist!)
    • Pine Old Fashioned Drink
    • Fireball Sour

    Save this and Pin it for later!

    If you want to save this recipe make sure you Pin it for later! If you are not already you can follow me on Pinterest, as well as keep up with me on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. If you make this recipe make sure to tag me in your photos and leave a star rating below!

    Close up, square image of a bourbon Christmas drink.

    Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

    With ginger beer, bourbon and a spiced cranberry juice, this delicious cocktail tastes like Christmas. It's tart and is infused with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. It's perfect for sharing with friends.
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 serving
    Calories: 173kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Equipment

    • cocktail shaker
    • Cocktail Jigger or liquid measuring cup
    • Bar spoon

    Ingredients

    • 3 oz spiced cranberry juice See full directions in separate post.
    • 1.5 oz Bourbon
    • 3 oz. Ginger Beer
    • Nutmeg, grated fresh is best if possible!

    Instructions

    • Make the Spiced Cranberry Juice and allow it time to cool completely.
    • Add spiced cranberry juice and Bourbon to a cocktail shaker.
    • Add ice and shake well.
    • Strain into a glass with ice.
    • Top with 3 oz. of ginger beer and give a quick stir.
    • Grate fresh nutmeg on top of each cocktail.

    Notes

    • 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 refreshing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    More Classic Cocktail Recipes

    • glass of haus spritzer on a serving tray
      Lemon Lavender Spritz Recipe (Haus Spritz)
    • Close up of a bottle on a table with a cocktail served in a wine glass next to it.
      Yummy Strawberry Basil Cocktail with Haus
    • Tropical rum cocktail garnished with a cocktail tick of pineapple chunks and a cocktail cherry.
      Sparkling Rosé Cocktail with Spiced Rum Recipe
    • Close up of a glass of mulled wine garnished with a orange wheel and a star anise.
      Holiday Spiced Wine Recipe (Mulled Wine)

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard
    • Mix

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melissa says

      December 10, 2014 at 8:41 am

      This does look like holiday in a glass! Great job, friend.

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        January 08, 2015 at 1:12 pm

        It's SO good! Seriously try it!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    I'm your go-to for easy, no-fuss party recipes. After hosting countless get-togethers and teaching myself to make cocktails at home, I'm sharing my secrets for how to mix drinks with ease (no bartender skills or fancy tools needed!). Plus learn my stress-free party shortcuts and favorite crowd-pleasing recipes. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    It's never too early for Halloween

    • A hand holding a piece of Halloween bark made from white chocolate and red icing to look like blood splatters.
      Bloody Halloween Bark Recipe with White Chocolate
    • Green Halloween cocktail in a mason jar surrounded by plastic spiders.
      Halloween Cocktail Recipe with Tequila (Halloween Margarita)
    • Close up of a black Vodka Punch for Halloween in a glass pitcher.
      Creepy Halloween Vodka Punch Recipe [Alcoholic Black Punch]
    • Halloween dump cake topped with pretzels and candy bars in a glass dish.
      Chocolatey Halloween Dump Cake Recipe With Candy Bars

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of a bundt cake with powdered sugar on it on a table.
      Easy 2-Ingredient Soda Cake Recipe
    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • White baking dish with Strawberry Jello dessert with a small plate holding a serving in front of it on a table.
      Easy Strawberry, Jello and Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Newest Posts

    • Top down image of a pineapple angel food dump cake in a pan, and a slice with fresh strawberries on a plate.
      Absurdly Easy Angel Food Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
    • Close up of a plate with 4 cookies stacked on top of each other.
      Apple Cookies Recipe with Butterscotch Chips
    • Close up of a bottle of Lemon Lavender Haus next to a copper Mule mug with stir stick.
      Lemon Lavender Moscow Mule Recipe with Haus
    • Easy to make spiced rum cupcakes with alcohol pipettes.
      Easy Spiced Rum Cupcakes Recipe with Pipettes
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.