Cranberry Bourbon Sour Cocktail Recipe

Cranberry Bourbon Sour: A Crisp Winter Classic

This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a vibrant, ruby-red retreat from the January cold. The Cranberry Bourbon Sour is a sophisticated riff on the legendary whiskey sour template, offering a bright, tart alternative to the heavier, cream-based drinks of the season. By using unsweetened cranberry juice and fresh lemon, this drink achieves a sharp, clean acidity that cuts through the rich, caramel warmth of a smooth bourbon like Bulleit. The result is a beautifully balanced, slow-sipping cocktail that feels both refreshing and deeply comforting.

The Art of the Perfect Sour

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the “golden ratio” of the sour family: spirit, citrus, and sweet. While a traditional sour uses just lemon and sugar, our winter version introduces the bold, tannic bite of cranberry. This adds a layer of complexity and a stunning gem-toned hue that makes it a standout choice for an evening by the fire. The addition of simple syrup is the crucial final touch, mellowing the tartness of the fruit and ensuring a smooth, velvety finish on the palate.

Why It’s the Perfect January Sip

As we settle into the New Year, this cocktail is the ideal “clean” winter companion. Its high-acid profile makes it an incredible palate cleanser, pairing effortlessly with a savory charcuterie board or a rich roasted dinner. To elevate the experience, we finish the drink with an aromatic sprig of rosemary and a lemon twist. The herbal scent hits you first, followed by the crisp, tart-sweet punch of the bourbon, making every sip feel like a refined celebration of the winter season.

Ready to get shaking? Pick up a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon at your local Liquor Plus and follow our simple recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon (smooth bourbons like Bulleit work best)
• 1 oz Cranberry Juice (unsweetened)
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and then cooled)
• Garnish: Sugared Cranberries, Lemon Twist, and/or Rosemary Sprig
• Ice Cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix the cocktail:
   Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the bourbon, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake for about 10–15 seconds—just enough to chill and combine the ingredients without over-diluting.

2. Serve and garnish:
   Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with cranberries, a lemon twist, and/or rosemary sprig for aroma and presentation.