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Festive cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail garnished with cranberries and an orange slice, perfect for holiday celebrations.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.