This easy cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail recipe is perfect for fall! Bourbon, fresh orange juice, cranberry juice, and maple syrup make up this easy cocktail. Great to serve around the holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas! Just add everything into a cocktail shaker and you’re ready to serve. Garnish with sugar orange peel or fresh cranberries!
Highlights of this simple cocktail recipe:
- Customizable
- Fresh ingredients
- Perfect for a crowd or for a holiday gathering
- Recipe does not require any cook time
- No fancy ingredients needed
- Can be made with any kind of whiskey
- Festive cocktail for holiday parties
Grocery Store List & Substitutions:
- Bourbon of choice
- Fresh squeezed orange juice
- Pure cranberry juice
- Maple syrup, honey, or homemade simple syrups
- Ground cinnamon
- Orange peels or fresh cranberries for garnish
Pro tips for the perfect cocktail:
- Use a cocktail shaker to get a smooth chilled cocktail
- Use fresh squeezed juices
- Serve with a large ice cube or sphere
- Enjoy your cocktail immediately
- Don’t go overboard on garnishes
- Serve chilled
This cranberry juice cocktail is tart and refreshing with the perfect hint cinnamon. Made with fresh ingredients and a touch of maple syrup for a slight sweetness. The whiskey lovers in your life will love this one for the holidays!
Quick steps for this easy whiskey cocktail:
- Combine whiskey, cranberry, orange, maple, and cinnamon in a shaker with ice
- Shake to combine
- Serve over a fresh ice cube and garnish with an orange peel
If you like this Easy Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe, try these other easy cocktail recipes..
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What is the best alcohol to use for a whiskey sour?
Whiskey: Rye whiskey or bourbon whiskey are both fine. Rye has a little bit of spice to it and bourbon is a little sweeter. Maker’s Mark and Jack Daniels are commonly used, but you can use all different types of whiskey.
What is a whiskey sour made of?
A whiskey sour is a mixed cocktail traditionally made of whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes an egg white for a bit of foam.
Do whiskey and cranberry go well together?
Yes! The fresh, tart flavors of the cranberry juice pair well with the smoky flavor of the whiskey. Adding in fresh orange juice adds a nice sourness and a touch of maple syrup adds the perfect sweetness.
I like to toss my orange peels in a bit of sugar for a fun festive garnish idea
Instructions for the cranberry whiskey sour:
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine bourbon, orange juice, cranberry juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Shake well to combine. Pour over a glass filled with ice and garnish with fresh cranberries or an orange peel. Enjoy immediately.
Variations and serving ideas:
- Create a holiday bar for guests to whip up their own whiskey sours. Place ingredients, glasses, and a cocktail shaker on your bar for easily customized cocktails
- Serve with fresh rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks
- Garnish with fresh cranberries or fresh orange peel
- If you do not have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar and strain through a fine mesh strainer
- Make a batch and serve in a large pitcher
Great for the holiday season, this classic cocktail is made of simple ingredients. The perfect balance of fresh citrus, tart cranberry, and smoky bourbon.
Easy Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. Bourbon of choice
- 1/2 oz. Fresh orange juice
- 1 oz. Cranberry juice
- 1 tbsp Maple syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon, optional
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine bourbon, orange juice, cranberry juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Shake well to combine. Pour over a glass filled with ice and garnish with fresh cranberries or an orange peel. Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @theheartylife on Instagram and hashtag it #theheartylife.