Cranberry Bourbon Smash

There’s nothing quite like a festive cocktail to make the Christmas season feel extra special! This Cranberry Bourbon Smash is the perfect holiday drink, combining the rich, warming flavour of bourbon with tart cranberry juice.
This cocktail is refreshing, beautifully balanced and full of Christmas cheer.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace or celebrating with friends, this easy-to-make bourbon cocktail is sure to impress.

It’s a delicious way to raise a glass this holiday season!

Cranberry Bourbon Smash

If you’re looking for an easy Christmas cocktail that feels a little special without requiring a long list of ingredients, this Cranberry Bourbon Smash is just what you need!

The combination of bourbon and cranberry creates a wonderful balance of warm, rich and tart flavours. Maple syrup adds a hint of natural sweetness, while fresh lemon juice brightens everything up.

A splash of club soda gives it a refreshing fizz that makes every sip delicious.

It’s simple to mix up, easy to customize and perfect for serving at Christmas parties, holiday gatherings or a festive night in.

Ingredients

The ingredients below make one cocktail. Simple double or triple for a crowd.

• Bourbon – Adds a smooth, warming flavour and makes this cocktail perfect for the holidays.
• Cranberry juice – Brings a lovely tartness and festive red colour. Use unsweetened or sweetened cranberry juice depending on your preference.
• Fresh lemon juice – Adds a bright citrus flavour that balances the sweetness.
• Maple syrup – Provides a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
• Club soda – Adds a refreshing fizz and lightens the cocktail.
• Ice – For shaking and serving.
• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh Mint
• An orange wedge

Optional garnish

• Fresh cranberries
• fresh mint
• Rosemary sprig

Directions

1. Fill your shaker. Add the cranberries, mint, fresh lemon juice, slice of orange and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the mixture using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon.

2. Add ice and the the bourbon. Shake it up. Secure the lid and shake for about 15–20 seconds, until the mixture is nicely chilled.

3. Prepare your glass. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. You can use shaved ice or cubes.

4. Pour and top. Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass and top with cranberry juice and club soda.

5. Garnish and serve. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with fresh cranberries, a mint leaf and a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful Christmas touch.

Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Bourbon Smash

– Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a little extra maple syrup. For a tarter drink, reduce the syrup slightly.
– Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in the flavour.
– Choose your cranberry juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice gives you more control over the sweetness, while cranberry cocktail juice creates a sweeter drink.
– Don’t skip the club soda: It adds a lovely lightness and refreshing fizz.
– Make it festive: Fresh cranberries and rosemary make a simple but beautiful garnish.

Can I Make This Christmas Cocktail Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice and maple syrup mixture a few hours ahead of time.
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

When it’s time to enjoy, pour over ice and top each glass with club soda.

Add your garnishes just before serving to keep everything looking fresh and festive.

This Cranberry Bourbon Smash is a wonderful addition to your holiday cocktail menu. With its beautiful cranberry colour, refreshing citrus notes and cozy bourbon flavour, it’s a drink that feels like Christmas in a glass.