Cranberry Whiskey Sour

This Cranberry Whiskey Sour offers up the perfect balance between sweet and tart. A delicious twist on the classic, this mixed drink adds tart cranberry juice to the rich smoky whiskey, along with a squeeze of zesty lemon, and a touch of sugar.

A refreshing, delicious, and easy-to-make drink that can be enjoyed year-round and makes the perfect holiday cocktail.

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Delicious Cranberry Cocktails

Delicious cranberry cocktails are the perfect way to bridge the gap between seasons. Cranberries spice up happy hour with their tart and tangy flavor and mix well with almost any liquor.

From a Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail to Cranberry Mimosa, to Cranberry Vodka Cocktail, these drinks are not only incredibly tasty but easy to make too. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, throwing a backyard BBQ, or just craving something a bit zesty, there’s nothing quite like these sweet-tart drinks.

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

• Super easy to make – just 4 ingredients!
• This twist on the classic has the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
• This cocktail is gorgeously colored making it perfect for serving as a holiday cocktail.

What is a Cranberry Whiskey Sour?

A Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a delicious twist on a classic Whiskey Sour cocktail. It incorporates cranberry juice adding a tangy, fruity element to the drink that makes it especially popular during the fall and winter months.

Ingredients

• Whiskey
• Cranberry Juice
• Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed lemons offer the most flavor
• Simple Syrup - or sugar, adding just enough to add a touch of sweetness to the tang

Best Whiskey for Whiskey Sour

Choosing the best whiskey for Whiskey sours really comes down to personal preference, as different types of whiskey will bring different flavors to the cocktail. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bourbon: Bourbon is often a popular choice due to its sweet and full-bodied nature, which pairs well with the tartness of the lemon.
• Rye Whiskey: If you prefer a spicier, more complex flavor, rye whiskey can be a great choice. It balances the sweetness of the simple syrup and the tartness of the lemon juice nicely.
• Irish Whiskey: For a smoother, lighter Whiskey Sour, you might consider using an Irish Whiskey. Jameson is a commonly used one.
• Scotch: For a smoky twist, you could use Scotch whisky. Keep in mind that the smoky flavor can be quite prominent, so it's best for those who already enjoy Scotch.

Remember that the best whiskey for your Whiskey Sour is the one that you enjoy the most! Try experimenting with different types to see which flavors you prefer in your cocktail.

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail jigger - for measuring the whiskey
• Liquid measuring cup - for measuring the cranberry and lemon juices
• Cocktail shaker - for shaking and mixing the drink
• Glass for Whiskey Sour - lowball glass aka old fashioned glass

Recipe Variations

A couple of cranberry flavor combos to explore:

• Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour - Use cinnamon syrup instead of sugar and garnish it with a cinnamon stick.
• Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour - Use 1½ ounces of whiskey and ½ ounce of orange liqueur. Substitute half of the cranberry juice with orange juice.

Switch up your whiskey sour with different juices instead of cranberry!

• Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
• Apricot Whiskey Sour
• Blackberry Whiskey Sour
• Blood Orange Whiskey Sour
• Blueberry Whiskey Sour
• Cherry Whiskey Sour
• Orange Whiskey Sour
• Peach Whiskey Sour
• Pineapple Whiskey Sour
• Pomegranate Whiskey Sour
• Raspberry Whiskey Sour
• Strawberry Whiskey Sour

And you can make a frozen whiskey sour by blending the ingredients with ice in a blender.

What to Serve with a Whiskey and Cranberry Cocktail

The Cranberry Whiskey drink, with its sweet-tart flavor profile, pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are a few suggestions:

• Cheese and Charcuterie: The tangy, fruity flavors of the cocktail balance well with the rich, savory flavors of a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
• Roasted Nuts: The crunch and saltiness of roasted nuts, especially almonds or pecans, would make a great pairing.
• Savory Pastries: Sausage rolls or cheese straws. The rich, buttery flavors are nicely offset by the bright, sour cocktail.
• Grilled or Roasted Meats: The strong flavor of whiskey can stand up to hearty foods like grilled steak or roast chicken. The cranberry component would pair particularly well with poultry, including turkey, making it a good choice for holiday dinners.
• Cranberry-based Dishes: If you're serving this drink at a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, it would pair very well with cranberry sauce or cranberry-glazed dishes.
• Dark Chocolate: If you're looking for a dessert pairing, dark chocolate can complement the deep flavors of the whiskey and the tartness of the cranberry.

Remember, the key to pairing is balancing flavors. The tart, refreshing quality of a Cranberry Whiskey Sour can cut through richer, heavier dishes, providing a nice contrast.

More Berry Cocktail Recipes

Blackberry Bourbon Smash - a sweet, tart, slightly smoky drink that combines blackberries, bourbon, and a little bubbly

Blueberry Mojito - a fruity take on the classic mojito with fresh blueberries, bubbly club soda, and white rum

Raspberry Lime Rickey - is both fresh and fruity. It's a light vodka cocktail with the sweet taste of raspberries, a hint of lime, and a little bubbly.

Find even more delicious cocktails here on 2CM!

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