CRANBERRY ORANGE WHISKEY SOUR

The holidays are all about warmth, cheer, and, let’s be honest, fantastic cocktails! But sometimes, you want something a little more sophisticated than the usual holiday punch. That’s where our Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour comes in – it’s the perfect blend of tart cranberries, bright citrus, and smooth whiskey that will elevate your festive gatherings. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself!) with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious drink.

Gathering Your Cocktail Crusaders

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For the Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries: Look for plump, vibrant berries.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key!
• 1 cup water: The foundation of our syrup.
• Zest of 1 orange: Adds a burst of citrus aroma.
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: For that extra orange punch.

For Each Whiskey Sour:

• 2 ounces whiskey: Bourbon or rye work beautifully. I personally love using a good quality bourbon for this recipe!
• 1 ounce cranberry orange simple syrup: The star of the show!
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice: Balance is crucial.
• 1 egg white (optional): For a luxuriously foamy texture. If you’re concerned about raw egg whites, you can use pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a vegan alternative.
• Ice: Cubed or crushed, your choice!
• Orange slice and cranberries, for garnish: Presentation matters!

Crafting the Cranberry Orange Symphony

Let’s dive into the method for creating the amazing cranberry orange simple syrup and the final Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour!

Making the Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the syrup has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the cranberries to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids.
5. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Mixing the Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour:

1. If using egg white, add the whiskey, cranberry orange simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice (this is called a “dry shake”). Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and a few cranberries.

Whiskey Wisdom: Choosing Your Spirit

The type of whiskey you choose can significantly impact the final flavor of your Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour. Here’s a quick guide:

• Bourbon: Offers a sweeter, more caramel-like flavor profile. Look for bourbons with notes of vanilla and spice to complement the cranberry and orange.
• Rye: Provides a spicier, drier taste. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, rye is an excellent choice.
• Irish Whiskey: A smoother, more mellow option. It won’t overpower the other flavors in the drink.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what *you* like best! It’s all about personal preference.

Level Up Your Syrup Game

The cranberry orange simple syrup is the heart of this Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour. Here are a few tips to make it truly exceptional:

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the cranberries and oranges, the better the syrup.
• Don’t Overcook the Syrup: Overcooking can lead to a bitter taste. Simmering until the cranberries burst and the syrup thickens slightly is key.
• Infuse with Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a few cloves to the syrup while it simmers. Remember to remove them before straining!
• Make a Big Batch: This syrup is so versatile! Use it in other cocktails, drizzle it over pancakes, or stir it into your morning oatmeal.

Egg White Alternatives: Foam Without the Fear

While egg white adds a beautiful, silky texture to the Whiskey Sour, some people prefer to avoid it. Here are a couple of excellent alternatives:

• Pasteurized Egg Whites: These are a safe and convenient option if you’re concerned about raw eggs. You can find them in most grocery stores.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas! Sounds weird, I know, but it whips up beautifully and adds a similar texture to egg white. Use about 1 ounce of aquafaba in place of the egg white.

No matter which option you choose, remember the “dry shake” is essential for creating that luscious foam!

Shaking Secrets: Achieving Cocktail Perfection

Shaking a cocktail properly is an art! Here are a few tips to ensure your Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is perfectly chilled and mixed:

• Use Enough Ice: A shaker filled about 2/3 full with ice is ideal.
• Shake Vigorously: Don’t be shy! Shake with energy and enthusiasm for at least 15-20 seconds.
• Listen to the Shaker: You should hear the ice cubes rattling around inside. This indicates that the cocktail is being properly chilled.
• Don’t Over-Shake: Over-shaking can dilute the cocktail. Once the shaker feels very cold, it’s time to stop.

Garnish Glamour: Elevating the Presentation

The garnish is the final touch that transforms a simple cocktail into a showstopper. For this Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour, try these garnishing ideas:

• Orange Slice: A classic choice that complements the orange flavors in the drink.
• Cranberries: Add a festive pop of color and a tart little burst of flavor. You can use fresh or sugared cranberries.
• Rosemary Sprig: Adds a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the other flavors.
• Orange Peel Twist: Expressing the oils from the orange peel over the drink adds a bright, citrusy aroma.

Get creative and have fun with it! The goal is to make your cocktail look as good as it tastes.

Beyond the Sour: Cocktail Cousins to Explore

If you’re loving the cranberry-orange combination, why not explore some other festive cocktail recipes? For a delicious fall flavor, try a PUMPKIN MARTINI. Or perhaps try a WICKED APPLE CIDER SPELL for a spooky treat. The possibilities are endless!

Troubleshooting Your Tipple

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Too Sour: Add a little more cranberry orange simple syrup, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
• Too Sweet: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
• Not Foamy Enough: Make sure you’re doing the “dry shake” properly. This is crucial for emulsifying the egg white or aquafaba. Also, ensure your ingredients are fresh.
• Watery: Don’t over-shake the cocktail, and use plenty of ice.

Cheers to Festive Flavors!

There you have it – the perfect Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour recipe to brighten up your holiday gatherings! With its vibrant flavors, elegant presentation, and easy-to-follow instructions, this cocktail is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, grab your shaker, and get ready to impress your friends and family. Happy mixing!

Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

Elevate your festive gatherings with a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour. This sophisticated cocktail blends tart cranberries, bright citrus, and smooth whiskey for an incredibly easy and utterly delicious drink.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 ounces whiskey bourbon or rye
• 1 ounce cranberry orange simple syrup
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1 egg white optional
• Ic e
• Orange slice, for garnish
• Cranberries, for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Airtight container
• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Chilled coupe or rocks glass
• Muddler (optional)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. **Making the Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the syrup has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the cranberries to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids.
5. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
6. **Mixing the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour:** If using egg white, add the whiskey, cranberry orange simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice (this is called a “dry shake”). Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
7. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
8. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
9. Garnish with an orange slice and a few cranberries.

Notes

For a sweeter cocktail, use bourbon; for a spicier one, use rye whiskey. For an extra layer of flavor in the simple syrup, add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a few cloves while it simmers, remembering to remove them before straining. If you prefer a vegan option, use 1 ounce of aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg white. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Store leftover simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To prevent a watery cocktail, do not overshake. For a more intense orange flavor, express the oils from an orange peel over the drink before garnishing.