Description

This Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned is the perfect holiday cocktail! It features a homemade simple syrup infused with fresh cranberries, star anise, cinnamon, and clove, mixed with bourbon and a touch of bitters for a festive twist on a classic.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spiced Cranberry Syrup (Makes Extra):

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups fresh cranberries
2 whole star anise pods
2 whole cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1 teaspoon whole cloves

For the Sugared Cranberries (Optional Garnish):

1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries

For the Old Fashioned Cocktail (per serving):

1–2 large ice cubes or an ice sphere
1 ounce Spiced Cranberry Syrup (from recipe above)
2 dashes cocktail bitters (Angostura or orange)
2 ounces bourbon
Splash of club soda (optional)

Garnishes for Cocktail:

Orange peel (expressed)
Maraschino cherry
Sugared Cranberries (from recipe above)
Small cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Spiced Cranberry Syrup:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups fresh cranberries, star anise pods, 2 cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, and whole cloves.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Boil for 4-5 minutes, or until cranberries start to burst and the syrup takes on a rich red color.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle. Discard the solids (cranberries and whole spices).
Syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

2. Make the Sugared Cranberries (Optional Garnish – Allow Drying Time):

Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir for about 30 seconds until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in the 12 ounces of fresh cranberries until completely coated.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry for at least 1 hour until sticky.
Place the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar, working in batches, until well coated.
Transfer the sugared cranberries back to the wire rack and let them dry for at least another hour until the sugar coating is hardened. Store in a cool, dry place.

3. Make the Old Fashioned Cocktail:

Place one or two large ice cubes (or an ice sphere) in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass.
Add 1 ounce of the cooled Spiced Cranberry Syrup, the cocktail bitters, and the bourbon to the glass.
Add a splash of club soda, if desired.
Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass or run it around the rim.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry, a few sugared cranberries, and a small cinnamon stick, if desired.
Serve immediately.

Notes

piced Cranberry Syrup: Let the syrup cool completely before using in cocktails. Adjust the amount in the drink to your preferred sweetness.
Sugared Cranberries: This is an optional but festive garnish that requires some drying time.
Bourbon: Use your favorite brand of bourbon.
Bitters: Angostura bitters are classic in an Old Fashioned. Orange bitters also complement the cranberry and citrus notes.
Club Soda: Adding a splash of club soda is optional; traditional Old Fashioneds typically do not include it, but it adds a little lightness.
Storage: Store leftover Spiced Cranberry Syrup and Sugared Cranberries as directed. The cocktail is best enjoyed immediately.