Oh, Thanksgiving! That incredible time of year when the air gets crisp, leaves turn those gorgeous shades of amber and gold, and our kitchens fill with the most amazing aromas. And what’s a holiday feast without a signature sip? That’s where my Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash comes in. Trust me, this isn’t just any cocktail; it’s a little cup of holiday cheer, perfectly balanced with sweet, tart, and those oh-so-warming bourbon notes. I remember the first time I whipped this up for family – it was an instant hit and has been a staple on our Thanksgiving table ever since. It just makes everything feel extra special!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
This cocktail is a total crowd-pleaser for so many reasons!
- It’s super easy to whip up, which is essential when you’re busy with Thanksgiving dinner prep.
- The flavor combo is just *chef’s kiss* – perfectly sweet, tart, and warm from the bourbon.
- It looks absolutely gorgeous in a glass, all festive reds and oranges.
- It’s the ideal companion to all those delicious Thanksgiving flavors, cutting through richness without overpowering anything.
Ingredients for Your Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cocktail perfection! Here’s what you’ll need for this festive drink:
- 2 oz Bourbon: Choose a nice, smooth bourbon – it makes all the difference!
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice: Pure, unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice is best.
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Always use fresh! It adds that bright zing.
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water.
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters: These add a lovely depth and spice.
- Orange peel, for garnish: A nice strip will do!
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish: A few little beauties to make it pop.
How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Making this Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash is so straightforward, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it! We’re talking simple steps that lead to pure cocktail bliss. It’s all about combining those wonderful flavors, giving them a good chill, and presenting a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Just follow along, and you’ll be serving up holiday perfection in no time. This is really similar to how you’d approach a Smoky Old Fashioned or even a classic Whiskey Sour, but with that signature cranberry and bourbon magic!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Shaker
Grab your cocktail shaker and pour in the bourbon, that lovely cranberry juice, the fresh lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. Don’t forget the Angostura bitters – they add that secret depth of flavor we talked about. It’s like building the perfect flavor profile right from the start!
Step 2: Shake Until Chilled
Now, fill that shaker up with ice until it’s nicely packed. Put the lid on tight and give it a good, vigorous shake! You want to shake it for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels really cold and frosty. This chills the drink perfectly and adds just the right amount of dilution.
Step 3: Strain into Glass
Get your favorite rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice. Why fresh ice? Because it melts slower and won’t water down your beautiful cocktail too quickly! Carefully strain the chilled mixture from your shaker into this glass. Watch that gorgeous ruby-red liquid pour over the ice – pure magic!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Time for the finishing touches! Take a nice strip of orange peel and gently twist it over the drink. This releases those aromatic oils and smells absolutely divine. Drop it in, then add a few fresh cranberries for that extra festive flair. Now, serve it up and watch your guests light up!
Tips for the Ultimate Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Alright, let’s talk about taking this gorgeous Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash from ‘really good’ to ‘absolutely unforgettable’! It’s all in the little touches, you know? First off, the quality of your bourbon really matters here. I find that while a pricier bottle is lovely, a good mid-range bourbon with those nice caramel or vanilla notes works wonders. And please, please use fresh lime juice! That bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same vibrant kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme if you’re feeling fancy – it complements the cranberry beautifully, kind of like in this Cranberry Sage Bourbon Smash recipe. Another little trick: chilling your serving glass beforehand keeps your drink colder for longer. And be mindful of your simple syrup; not everyone likes things super sweet, so adjusting that to your taste is key. For a bit of a twist similar to this Plum Basil Bourbon Sour, you could even muddle a few fresh cranberries in the shaker before adding the rest of your ingredients for an extra pop of tartness!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Let’s chat about the stars of this show! For the bourbon, pick one you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own – it really shines here. If you don’t have Angostura bitters, a dash of orange bitters can work in a pinch, but Angostura is the classic choice for that warm, spicy kick. When it comes to cranberry juice, I always lean towards 100% pure juice if possible, as it gives you more control over the sweetness. If you’re using a sweetened blend, you might want to cut back on the simple syrup a bit. Speaking of which, taste and adjust that simple syrup! Some folks like it a little sweeter, some a little tarter. And hey, if you’re making a non-alcoholic version, just skip the bourbon and maybe add a splash more cranberry or use a fancy non-alcoholic spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Got questions about our favorite Thanksgiving sipper? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash ahead of time?
You can totally mix up the bourbon, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just give it a good shake with ice right before you’re ready to serve and strain it into your glass!
What kind of bourbon is best for this Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash?
Oh, this is my favorite part! You don’t need anything super fancy, but a good quality bourbon with nice caramel or vanilla notes really makes a difference. I love a classic Kentucky bourbon for this drink; it just adds that perfect warming flavor that screams Thanksgiving.
How sweet is this Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash?
It’s got a lovely balance! The cranberry juice adds tartness, the lime juice gives it a zing, and the simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness. The bourbon adds its own layer of flavor too. You can totally adjust the simple syrup – add a little more if you prefer it sweeter, or a little less if you like it more tart. It’s your drink, after all!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of juice in this Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash?
You sure can! If you want to use fresh cranberries, muddle about 1/4 cup of them in the bottom of your shaker before adding the other liquids. You might need to adjust your simple syrup a bit depending on how tart the cranberries are, and you’ll definitely want to double-strain to catch any skins or pulp. It gives an amazing fresh flavor, though!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can wiggle around a bit depending on the specific brands you use and how generously you pour! But for one serving of this delicious Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: About 250
- Sugar: Around 15g
- Sodium: Very low, about 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g
Share Your Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash Creations!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I absolutely love seeing what you all do in the kitchen, so if you make this Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash, please, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and tell me all about it! Did you love it? Did you tweak it? Share a picture on social media and tag me – I’d be thrilled to see your festive creations. You can also reach out via my contact page. Happy stirring!
Print
Thanksgiving Cranberry Bourbon Smash
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and flavorful cocktail perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel and fresh cranberries.
Notes
- Adjust simple syrup to your preferred sweetness.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic spirit or extra cranberry juice.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, Cranberry, Bourbon, Cocktail, Smash, Holiday Drink, Festive Drink