Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail

5 from 2 votes

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

A simple and delicious twist on a classic cocktail, this cranberry cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season.
A glass of Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail with cranberries and rosemary in and around it

This Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a twist on the classic favorite! A perfect holiday cocktail recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

A glass of Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail with cranberries and rosemary in and around it

I just love to make special and unique cocktails for the holiday season.

But I also want them to be rather familiar and easy to make so I can enjoy time with friends and family.

This Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail uses familiar flavors of an old fashioned and gives it a twist with cranberry flavors.

Close up of Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail from top

Cranberry Simple Syrup

I like to make a homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup for this recipe. Simple syrup is a common ingredient and the cranberry flavor is already infused into it.

Simple syrup is incredibly easy to make and can be stored easily in the refrigerator for use as needed.

You could also use a plain simple syrup and a splash of cranberry juice, however the juice will overpower the flavors in the cocktail more than it does as the syrup.

Close up of Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail in round clear glass with silver tim

Cocktail Variations

Old fashioned cocktails tend to be on the strong side due to minimal mixers.

To make the Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail lighter and not as strong, you could add cranberry juice (but you will lose some of the other flavors) or something neutral like club soda.

Top view of two glasses of Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail surrounded by cranberries on white snow

Make Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktails for a Crowd

Want to make a larger batch of the cocktail for a crowd or ease of access?

Just mix the simple syrup, bitters, orange peel, and whiskey in a pourable container or pitcher.

Then set out glasses with ice and garnish like whole cranberries or more orange peels.

This way anyone can easily pour more on their own without having to go through the motions of creating a cocktail each time.

Top view of red cocktail with rosemary and cranberries in it

One of my favorite things about this cranberry cocktail is using whole fresh cranberries in the cocktail itself.

Not only do they look beautiful as a garnish, but you can eat the cocktail soaked berries and they taste amazing!

Plus they bring extra cranberry flavor as you snack on them!

Jazz the garnish up with some sparkling rosemary as well!

Pin image for Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail with red cocktail in round glass with silver rim and title at bottom

More Cranberry Recipes

More Holiday Cocktails

Holiday Cocktails

A glass of Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail with cranberries and rosemary in and around it

Cranberry Old Fashioned

A simple and delicious twist on a classic cocktail, this cranberry cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30 Min or Less, Christmas, Fall/Thanksgiving, Gluten Free, Holiday, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 181kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put the simple syrup, bitters, and orange peel in the glass.
  • Gently muddle (press ingredients together) and stir for a few seconds.
  • Fill the glass with ice.
  • Pour the whiskey over the ice.
  • Garnish as desired and top off with cranberry juice if desired.

Notes

Cranberry simple syrup is best, and easy to make, but can be substituted for regular simple syrup and a splash of cranberry juice.
Use a vegetable peeler on an orange (or tangerine, etc) for an easy, thick orange peel.
Make this cocktail for a crowd! Increase the ingredients to the number of drinks you want (use the servings adjustment above for auto-calculation). Combine the simple syrup, bitters, orange peels, and whiskey in a pitcher or serving container. Set out ice and glasses for pouring.
Old fashioned cocktails are strong. Make them weaker by adding club soda for some neutral sparkle or cranberry juice.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
By on November 17th, 2020

About Kim

Kim has grown up with a passion for cooking good food! You can find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, making dog treats, and eating Italian food!

More posts by this author.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Three Olives Branch