Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned (Bourbon Cocktail!) - A Holiday Favorite

Get ready to mark your calendars for the holiday season, because this Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned is the perfect festive cocktail you'll want to make! This isn't just any Old Fashioned; it's elevated with a homemade spiced cranberry simple syrup infused with fresh cranberries, star anise, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, then beautifully garnished with sugared cranberries and an orange peel. I know it's a lovely spring evening here on May 6th, 2025, and the holidays might seem far off, but this Cranberry Old Fashioned recipe is a true gem worth saving for those cozy fall and winter celebrations. It's a sophisticated, warming, and incredibly delicious drink that's sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

• Perfect Holiday Cocktail: The combination of warm spices, cranberry, orange, and bourbon screams festive!
• Homemade Spiced Cranberry Syrup: Easy to make and adds incredible depth of flavor and beautiful color.
• Elegant Presentation: With sugared cranberries and an orange peel twist, it looks stunning.
• Sophisticated Twist on a Classic: Elevates the beloved Old Fashioned with seasonal flavors.
• Make-Ahead Components: The syrup and sugared cranberries can be prepped in advance.

Ingredients for Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned

Here's what you'll need to craft this festive cocktail and its components. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Spiced Cranberry Syrup

• Water (Liquid)
• Sugar (Sweetener)
• Fresh cranberries (Fruit) (See Variations for out-of-season substitutes)
• Star anise pods (Spice)
• Cinnamon sticks (Spice)
• Whole allspice (Spice)
• Whole cloves (Spice)

Sugared Cranberries (Garnish)

• Water (Liquid)
• Sugar (divided) (Sweetener)
• Fresh cranberries (Fruit)

Old Fashioned Cocktail

• Spiced cranberry syrup (from above) (Sweetener/Flavoring)
• Cocktail bitters (Angostura or orange bitters recommended) (Bitters)
• Bourbon (Liquor)
• Splash of club soda (optional) (Soda)
• Ice (large cube or sphere recommended) (Ice)
• Orange peel (Garnish)
• Maraschino cherries (Garnish)
• Sugared cranberries (from above) (Garnish)
• Cinnamon stick (optional garnish) (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

While this Cranberry Old Fashioned is designed for peak cranberry season, here are some ideas:

• Out-of-Season Cranberry Syrup: If fresh cranberries aren't available, you can make a spiced simple syrup by simmering the water, sugar, and all the whole spices. For a fruit note, add a splash of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice or pomegranate juice to the cooled syrup. The color and tang will differ.
• Different Spirit: Use rye whiskey instead of bourbon for a spicier Old Fashioned. Aged rum could also work.
• No Club Soda: A traditional Old Fashioned doesn't typically include club soda; omit it for a more spirit-forward drink.
• Different Sweetener in Syrup: Try using brown sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the simple syrup for a deeper flavor (this will alter the classic taste).
• Skip Sugared Cranberries: Garnish simply with an orange peel and a fresh cranberry (if available) or a maraschino cherry.

How to Make a Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned

Making this festive Cranberry Old Fashioned involves three key parts: the syrup, the garnish, and the cocktail itself.

Make the Spiced Cranberry Syrup

1. First, I create the heart of this cocktail - the delicious syrup! In a medium saucepan, I combine the water, sugar, 2 cups of fresh cranberries, star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, and whole cloves.
2. I bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once boiling, I let it boil for 4-5 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and the syrup takes on a rich red color.
4. I remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool completely.
5. Once cooled, I strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or container, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the syrup. I discard the cooked cranberries and whole spices. (This syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks!)

Make the Sugared Cranberries (Optional Garnish)

1. (If making these beautiful garnishes): In a small saucepan, I bring ½ cup of water and ½ cup of the granulated sugar to a boil, stirring for about thirty seconds until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. I remove the pan from the heat and stir in the 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, ensuring they are all completely coated in the syrup.
3. Using a slotted spoon, I transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to let them dry and become tacky. This usually takes about an hour.
4. Once they're tacky, I roll the cranberries in the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar (spread on a plate), working in batches, until they are well coated.
5. I transfer the sugared cranberries back to the wire rack and let them dry for at least another hour until the sugar coating is crisp. I store these in a cool, dry place.

Assemble the Old Fashioned Cocktail

1. When I'm ready to craft the drink, I add an ice cube or two (a large ice cube or sphere is perfect for an Old Fashioned) to my serving glass (an Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass).
2. To the glass, I add 1 ounce of the cooled spiced cranberry syrup, 2 dashes of cocktail bitters, and 2 ounces of bourbon.
3. I add a splash of club soda (optional, for a little lightness and fizz).
4. I stir the drink gently for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Finally, I express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it in or run it around the rim. I garnish with a maraschino cherry, a few of the homemade sugared cranberries, and an optional cinnamon stick.
6. Serve!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Holiday Cocktail

Here are my secrets for making this Cranberry Old Fashioned truly special:

• Use Fresh Cranberries (When in Season): For both the syrup and sugared garnish, fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture. This is a great recipe to plan for when they are abundant in fall/winter.
• Don't Over-Boil Syrup: Just boil long enough for cranberries to pop and release color/flavor.
• Quality Bourbon: Since bourbon is a main ingredient, use one you enjoy sipping.
• Large Ice: A large ice cube or sphere melts slower, chilling the drink without over-diluting it, which is ideal for an Old Fashioned.
• Express the Orange Peel: Releasing the oils from the orange peel directly over the drink adds essential aromatics.

How to Serve

This Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned is best served immediately while chilled. It's perfect for:

• Holiday Parties: The ultimate festive cocktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve.
• Cozy Winter Evenings: A warming and sophisticated drink to sip by the fire.
• Special Occasions: An elegant choice for celebrating.

Serve in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass, beautifully garnished.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Spiced Cranberry Syrup: This is the perfect make-ahead component! Store the cooled, strained syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Sugared Cranberries: These can also be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
• Cocktail: The Old Fashioned itself is best mixed fresh just before serving.

FAQs about Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

• What kind of bourbon should I use?
  • A good quality bourbon that you enjoy is key. Mid-range bourbons often work wonderfully in Old Fashioneds, offering a good balance of flavor without breaking the bank.
• Can I use a different sweetener for the syrup?
  • You could substitute brown sugar or maple syrup for the granulated sugar in the syrup, but this will alter the flavor profile and color. Honey could also work but might be very dominant.
• What if I don't have all the whole spices for the syrup?
  • Cinnamon sticks and cloves are key. Star anise and allspice add complexity but can be omitted if necessary. You could also try a pre-made mulling spice blend, but be cautious with quantities.

Enjoy planning for the festive season with this incredible Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned! It's a truly special and memorable holiday cocktail.

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