Cranberry Bourbon Sour cocktail recipe, made with 4 simple ingredients. Smoky bourbon, fresh lemon juice, 100% tart cranberry juice, lightly sweetened with cane sugar simple syrup! A low sugar, all-natural drink, perfect for fall and winter celebrations.
I love seasonal, simple, delicious bourbon cocktails; especially cocktails you can easily modify into mocktails!
If you love this drink, try these other cocktail recipes: Try this fun Cape Cod Drink, or this Maple Whisky Sour, Cherry Bourbon Smash and Hibiscus Dark & Stormy.
What is the Freaky Friday Blog Hop!?
Today is Freaky Friday, which is simply an old fashioned blog hop!
A blog hop, is a collaboration between bloggers where everyone has a post to share and you link to one another in your posts as they go live.
The lovely, Michaela from An Affair from the Heart, founded this quarterly collab, and she secretly assigns everyone another blogger.
We make their recipe, photograph it as if it were our own, write a post about it in our own words, then all share our posts on the selected Friday.
I hope that this collaboration helps you discover some amazing new recipes, as well as find new bloggers to follow!
Here are a few of my previous Freaky Friday recipes; Sweet Molasses Brown Bread, Mint Fudge Brownies, and Oatmeal Rolled Sugar Cookies.
Meet Erin at The Speckled Palate
I am honored to have been assigned Erin at The Speckled Palate — are you in for a great treat! Let me tell you a bit about Erin:
- She is a joyful person — inside and out! (just check out her About page and all of her fun pictures). Every time I see her blog picture I smile — effervescent is the word that comes to mind!
- Erin has two precious little girls; and has figured out that even as an introvert, we still need to reach out, invite people over — welcome people in our homes, without pretense! Way to go Mama!
- She loves to host parties and wow does she do some great hosting, but simply, no pretense or hoity toity parties for this Texas girl!
- Erin is the queen of mixology — both cocktails and mocktails. I know we’d be fast friends!
- She is passionate about fresh food and seasonal ingredients; Erin is honest and open in her struggles with motherhood.
I had such a hard time choosing a recipe; so much to choose from; I browsed her mouth-watering and big Recipe Index of what to choose.
I mean look at this delicious Beef Poutine (I bought the ingreds to make for the Super Bowl this weekend!), or these Cream Biscuits and Gravy, or perhaps these Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies.
In the end though, Erin and I share a love for tasty, fun, craft cocktails. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic; fresh, bright, delicious and EASY! So I knew I HAD to make one of her amazing drinks!
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
I chose her Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, aptly named it “The Blizzard” the perfect drink for a chilly, fall or winter evening.
This drink is also known as a Cranberry Bourbon Sour or Cranberry Old Fashioned and is one of several of my simple bourbon cocktails.
This drink is unique in that it isn’t overly sweet, in fact it is quite tart, low in sugar, fruity but not overly so — really well balanced. Made with the freshest ingredients and it’s shaken, not stirred!
A great winter drink, ideal during the holidays, even better for Valentine’s day.
Simple Ingredients
- Simple Syrup | homemade or store bought, I made my own using all natural pure cane sugar (how to in the recipe card)
- Bourbon | your favorite, but a nice quality bourbon is best
- Unsweetened 100% Cranberry Juice (no sugar) | Not Cranberry Cocktail but, 100% juice. So good for you and doesn’t have sugar!
- Fresh Squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon slices, raspberries and/or cranberries for garnish
Bourbon Cocktails Equipment
Sometimes the right equipment makes cooking, baking or mixing so much easier! Here’s what I used for this Cranberry Bourbon Sour:
- Cocktail Shaker | Or you may also use a pint or quart sized ball jar with a tight lid.
- Citrus Squeezer | my favorite and one of the most used tools in my kitchen
- Mini Liquid Measure | this measuring cup is used all the time, I own two!
- Old Fashioned Glasses (about 8-9 oz) | I love these smaller Riedel glasses
- Fancy Ice Cube Mold | so not necessary, but so much fun!
How Do I Make a Cranberry Bourbon Sour?
I find it’s easiest with mixed drinks to get all of your supplies out, squeeze lemons, measure out ingredients, have your ice and shaker ready, then you just pour, cover and shake, shake, shake!
- Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid with ice about ⅔ full.
- Pour in bourbon, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Place lid on shaker, vigorously shake 20-30 times. The longer you shake the more diluted it will become, which for me is a good thing.
- In an old fashioned glass, fill with ice, whiskey stones or an ice ball. Pour Cranberry Bourbon Sour over ice. Garnish with slice of lemon, fresh or frozen raspberries or cranberries, enjoy immediatly.
Can I Make it a Mocktail?
Yes! Any craft cocktail can easily be converted to a mocktail.
- Omit the alcohol (bourbon in this case), assemble and shake as directed in recipe.
- Pour into ice filled glass and top with your favorite club soda, soda water, lemon lime soda, would also be delicious with Limonata Pelligrino.
- If no bubbles are your goal in this Cranberry Old Fashioned, then substitute bourbon using orange juice, lemonade or even water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Only it would not longer be called a Cranberry Bourbon Sour, would it!?
This craft cocktail would be tremendous made with 100% pure Cherry Juice OR Pomegranate Juice.
The older I get the more sensitive I am to alcohol, so I dilute most of my drinks that are not made with a cocktail mixer.
Shake longer in the cocktail shaker with the ice, the ice melts, breaking apart and naturally dilutes your drink.
Add a splash of your favorite mixer to the Cranberry Old Fashioned, this gives more volume and dilutes the drink to your liking.
My choice is usually to add some Club soda, tonic water, sparkling water or even plain water. See mocktail info for more ideas.
Garnish should always be considered optional on any drink or dish. Sometimes the garnish is important and adds flavor, but in most cases, it’s just something that makes it look pretty.
I love adding a pretty garnish, elevates the drink to a new level you know.
I used some pretty cocktail picks, washed a few fresh raspberries and then skewered them on the cocktail picks, placing them in the freezer until ready to assemble.
I also had frozen cranberries leftover from Christmas (I always buy a bag to freeze) and added a few cranberries. You can also purchase frozen cranberries at many stores, I have found them at Whole Foods and Natural Grocers.
Slice thin slices of lemon, cut in half and add to the pick.
For a bit of green, I added some fresh thyme; rosemary and mint would also be very pretty.
Substitutions for Cranberry Old Fashioned
I am all about making it yours! This is your cocktail, depending on the time of year you may want to change up the ingredients slightly.
- Instead of simple syrup, try substituting the same amount of Bourbon Maple Syrup for the simple syrup.
- In the fall and holiday months, add a dash of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon when shaking.
- Swap out lime juice for lemon juice, I haven’t tried it in this drink but I think it would be fabulous.
- In the fall and holiday months, add a dash of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon when shaking.
- Swap out lime juice for lemon juice, I haven’t tried it in this drink but I think it would be fabulous.
Do I Have to Use Bourbon?
In my opinion, bourbon is a bit smoother for bourbon cocktails than whiskey, but no, you can use bourbon, rye or whiskey in this drink. You may need to add a bit more simple syrup, but take a taste and add a little at a time.
I believe this drink would also be fantastic with vodka and rum as well. Maybe even try one of the flavored vodka’s.
More fabulous craft cocktail recipes
Check out all of my drinks here.
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- Pomegranate Cocktail Punch
- Spiced Holiday Pomegranate Sangria Recipe
- Christmas Margarita Recipe (Hibiscus and Pomegranate)
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Irish Mule
- Cranberry Lemon Drop
- Hibiscus Mojito
Let me know what you thought of the Cranberry Bourbon Sour, pop into the comments below the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon a nice quality bourbon is good in this drink
- 1 ½ oz Unsweetened 100% Cranberry Juice no sugar. Please try and get 100% juice, not only is it good for you, but doesn't have all of that added sugar.
- ½ oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 oz simple syrup make your own, see below or store-bought
- Lemon slices raspberries and/or cranberries for garnish
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water filtered
- 1 cup granulated sugar I use pure cane, all natural
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker (or mason jar with lid) with ice about ⅔ full.
- Pour in bourbon, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Place lid on shaker, vigorously shake 20-30 times. The longer you shake the more diluted it will become, which for me is a good thing.
- In an old fashioned glass, fill with ice, whiskey stones or an ice ball. Pour cocktail over ice. Garnish with slice of lemon, fresh or frozen raspberries or cranberries, enjoy immediatly.
- See notes for substitution and mocktail ideas.
- Simple Syrup
- Pour water and sugar into small heavy saucepan. Over medium heat stir until sugar dissolves, bring mixture to simmer BUT DO NOT BOIL. See detailed post for more on homemade simple syrup.
- Store in mason jar in refrigerator, lasts indefinitely.
Notes
- Substitute cranberry juice with 100% cherry juice or Pomegranate juice
- Swap the lemon for a lime
- Use whisky, rye, vodka, or rum instead of bourbon
- Instead of simple syrup, use real maple syrup or bourbon maple syrup
- Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to the shaker for a more fall/holiday drink
- Add a splash or two of your favorite mixer (club soda, tonic water, sparkling water, etc)
- Shake longer in the shaker and add crushed ice to the glass
- Omit the alcohol, replace with your favorite mixer, orange juice, lemonade, lemon lime soda, sparkling water, club soda or even Pelligrino Limonata.
Nutrition
Take a look at all of our 2021 Freaky Friday Winter Edition Recipes:
- An Affair from the Heart – Copy Cat Taco Bell Enchirito
- Aunt Bee’s Recipes – Three Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
- The Carefree Kitchen – Lemon Bundt Cake
- The Culinary Compass – Rotel Sausage Dip
- Devour Dinner – Cheese Enchiladas
- The Foodie Affair – Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread
- The Fresh Cooky – Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- House of Nash Eats – Pineapple Casserole
- Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog – Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Lemoine Family Kitchen – Red Beans & Rice
- Life, Love & Good Food – Pan Seared Scallops
- Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish – Weeknight Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
- Off the Eaten Path – Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Soulfully Made – Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf
- The Speckled Palate – Pretzel Cheese Dip
- Sugar Dish Me – Cheesecake Brownies with Graham Cracker Crust
- Take Two Tapas – Buffalo Chicken Taquitos in the Air Fryer
- West Via Midwest – Frito Corn Salad
Eileen
So delicious!! Just had this at a restaurant and my husband said this was much better!!
So glad to hear that Eileen!
Rebecca
What a beautiful drink. I bet everyone will love this Cocktail!
Thank you!!
Brandi Burgess
This looks almost too pretty to drink…..almost!!! Sounds amazing also!
Almost is right! Would be a shame, like not using your good china!
Jill Baird
I had to come back and give a star review on this one. I forgot the first time. haha, It really is THAT good! Perfect for any celebration!
Jill Baird
First of all, wow, what a gorgeous drink and the raspberries on the top, Yummmmm! Thanks for the recipe variations too. Such a delicious drink and I agree the lemon Pellegrino would be a great addition. I do love a little fizz in my drinks!
I do too Jill!! Thank you so much!
Sheila Thigpen
This cocktail looks soooo refreshing! And… I love the way you introduced Erin. I know her personally and you captured her personality perfectly! She is indeed effervescent!
Oh thank you Sheila, some day I sure hope we can start meeting again!
Amy Nash
I made a mocktail version with lemonade instead of bourbon and it was absolutely delicious! It’s got such a great pucker and the color is so pretty!
Love that you did that Amy!! Cheers!
Erin
This drink is SO WELL BALANCED! Love the tart cranberry juice paired with the smoky bourbon and the lemon. Such a great combo!
Erin
KATHLEEN! You are too sweet, and I’m over here blushing at your kind words! I love that you chose this recipe because it’s one of our all-time favorites, but I’ve never considered making it outside of holiday season. And adding raspberries for Valentine’s Day? Brilliant! We’ll be making your rendition of this goodness this coming weekend!
It was so fun trying to decide which recipe to make! I had so much fun with this recipe! And it’s delish!
Chrissie Nelson Rotko
We have been making cocktails at home since last spring so definitely adding this one to our list! It looks so easy and also really delish.
Haha, yes isn’t that the truth, well this is a super simple one!!
Kathryn Donangelo
This is my kind of cocktail! I can’t to try this I love cranberry juice so I know this will be a new favorite of mine:)
Nikki
What a great cocktail! I have everything to make it and gave it a tasting. Delish! I have a friend that loves bourbon! Cannot wait to make one for her!
OOOOh, hope you both love it! Thanks Nikki!
Jennifer Stewart
I was never a big fan of bourbon but when you add the tart it changes everything! Which is great because my hubby is bourbon collector and drinks it all the time! Now we can enjoy it together.
I am like you, but as I’ve gotten older, I have definitely developed a taste for it — but in not super sweet mixed drinks! Hope you enjoy!
Sam
Oh yes please! I love trying out new bourbon cocktails so I know what I’m making next weekend.
Thanks Sam, hopefully it will become a new favorite for you too!
Michele
I had a day yesterday and this popped into my feed— I made this and it was so refreshing and so darned good. My husband loved it too! Thanks!
Sandra Shaffer
What a great recipe choice. I love everything about this cocktail, and we have all the ingredients. Taste testing to share with my sweetie for Valentine’s Day. I have whisky stones, but I think I need those ice balls too!
Thanks Sandra, I personally think the ice balls are life changing! Chill the drink, slowly diluting!! Enjoy!
Lisa
Both my husband and I LOVE bourbon cocktails! This one sounds so good and not too sweet which is perfect for us. I actually have everything on hand to give this a try, including unsweetened cranberry juice. I agree with you that unsweetened cranberry juice is so much better than cranberry juice cocktail!
YAY!! I hope you both love it!
Michaela Kenkel
This is a cocktail that I can get behind! Best part? I can make one tonight because I have verything that I need AND it’ll be perfect because it’s FRIGID here! Thank you!
Well hopefully it will warm you from the inside out! Thanks so much!
Angela
How lucky for me! I have everything on hand to make this fabulous looking cocktail! Sounds perfectly refreshing.
YAY!!! That’s what I love about it, super simple to whip up and sit back and enjoy!