Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour (Festive Holiday Twist on a Classic Cocktail)

One chilly December night, I threw this Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour together with whatever was left in the fridge—and it turned out magical. Tart cranberries, bright citrus, and smooth bourbon came together like they were meant for each other. It’s the kind of cocktail that looks like Christmas in a glass and tastes even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• Just 5 minutes and a few ingredients
• Gorgeous color and presentation—perfect for holiday parties
• The balance of citrusy tang and warming whiskey
• Easily scales up for Thanksgiving or Christmas crowds

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey – Bourbon works beautifully for a smooth, vanilla finish, but rye adds a spicy twist.
• 1 oz cranberry juice – Use pure or unsweetened for a more tart and natural taste.
• 1 oz orange juice – Fresh-squeezed makes a big difference here.
• ¾ oz lemon juice – Balances the sweetness with bright acidity.
• ½ oz simple syrup – Adjust to taste. You can also swap in maple syrup for cozy vibes.
• Ice cubes – For shaking and serving.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange slices or orange peel twists
• Rosemary sprigs (adds an herbal holiday aroma)
• Sugared rims (dip rim in orange juice, then in sugar)

How to Make a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake hard for about 15 seconds until it’s nicely chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with orange, cranberries, or a rosemary sprig.

Quick tip: Use clear ice cubes for a classy, slow-melting presentation that won’t water your drink down too fast.

Tips and Variations

• Swap in rye whiskey for a bolder kick, or try Irish whiskey for a smoother finish.
• Add more or less simple syrup depending on your sweetness preference.
• Want a cozier, richer twist? Try maple syrup instead of simple.
• Always use fresh juices—bottled just won’t bring that same zing.
• Making this for a group? Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher—just stir well and pour over ice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cocktail at:
• Holiday dinners
• Cocktail parties
• Cozy nights by the fireplace

It pairs deliciously with savory snacks like cheese boards, roasted nuts, or stuffed mushrooms. Serve in a rocks glass with a sugared rim and a rosemary sprig to really wow your guests.

You can also pair it with these Easy low-carb dinner recipes for cozy nights or sip it before digging into one of our Healthy soup recipes to keep you warm.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This cocktail is best fresh, but you can pre-mix everything except the ice and store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before serving. Keep in mind—fresh citrus fades with time, so don’t prep too far in advance.

FAQs

Looking for something plant-based to go with your drink? Try these Vegan-friendly low-carb meals packed with vegetables.