This Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail 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.
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!
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 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.
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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.
This is the perfect holiday party beverage. Or for a cozy night by a fire.
Also, this is basically a Moscow Mule thanks to the ginger beer. It would be absolutely delicious in a copper mug.
Ingredients
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.
Directions
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.
Related: Bar Tool Essentials
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.
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!
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
You can use whichever bourbon you love or have on hand. Two of my favorites are Four Roses and Bulliet.
I recommend making a large batch of my Spiced Cranberry Juice and then making individual cocktails. 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!
A few more easy recipes you might also enjoy!
- Warm Winter Sangria
- Easy Pear Martini Recipe
- Best Cranberry Moscow Mule for Christmas
- Blood Orange Moscow Mule (with a twist!)
- Pine Old Fashioned Drink
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Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
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.
Melissa says
This does look like holiday in a glass! Great job, friend.
Sharon Garofalow says
It’s SO good! Seriously try it!