Mr. Claus’s Bourbon Infused Cranberry Old Fashioned

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An Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, a drink that never goes out of style. It’s a delightful cocktail that stands the test of time as a tried and true sipper.

Our Christmas Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned is a merry blend of bourbon warmth and cranberry sweetness—a perfect holiday treat!

If Santa Claus were to unwind after a long day of toy-making and list-checking, the Old Fashioned would undoubtedly be his signature drink. This Christmas twist on the traditional recipe adds bourbon-soaked cranberries with a cinnamon stick, transforming it into a festive holiday treat.

This drink not only appeals to the more rugged tastes but is sure to capture the heart of Mrs. Claus as well.

Let’s dive into how to make this yummy drink!

Bourbon-Soaked Cranberries: Elevating the Old Fashioned

To prepare this delectable drink, you must start by soaking your cranberries overnight.

Combine 2 shots of bourbon, a tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries, and a cinnamon stick in a mason jar.

Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. This step creates a bourbon simple syrup, setting the stage for a cocktail that stands above the rest.

Mixing the Old Fashioned Magic

Once your cranberry-infused syrup has rested, it’s time to assemble the Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned.

In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, combine 2 shots of quality bourbon, 1 tablespoon of the cranberry simple syrup, and 4-5 drops of Blood Orange Bitters.

Lightly mix the ingredients with a spoon, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful concoction.

The Art of Presentation: Glass and Ice

The key to a perfect Old Fashioned lies in the glass and the ice.

Invest in a quality silicone ice cube mold to create a large craft ice cube that will stand the test of time.

The slow-melting cube enhances the slow-sipping nature of this cocktail, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

My ice cube seriously lasted over an hour the other night which is fabulous because this is a slow sipper cocktail that you appreciate with time. As the flavors muddle together it tastes better and richer.

Straining and Garnishing

Strain your stirred bourbon mixture over the crafted ice cube in your Old Fashioned glass.

Garnish the drink with 2 tablespoons of the infused cranberries and a generous twist of orange.

For an extra touch, consider impressing your guests by warming the orange twist under the flame of a match. This releases the oils from the orange, infusing the cocktail with an extra layer of flavor.

Alternatively, you can light the end of a cinnamon stick for a smoky effect, dunking it directly into your drink.

Bourbon Infused Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe

Equipment

• 1 Silicone Ice Cube Mold
• 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

Bourbon-Soaked Cranberries

• 2 TB Dried Cranberries
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 2 Shots Bourbon
• 1 TB Sugar

Cocktail

• 2 Shots Bourbon
• 4-5 Drops of Blood Orange Bitters
• 1 TB Cranberry Bourbon Simple Syrup

Garnish

• 2 TB Soaked Cranberries
• 1 Large Twist of Orange
• 1 Cinnamon Stick

Instructions

1. Put 1 TB Sugar, 2 Oz Bourbon, 2 Heaping TB Dried Cranberries, and 1 Cinnamon stick in a jar and mix well.
2. Cover the jar, shake well, and let marinate for 24 hours.

Cocktail

3. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
4. Add 2 shots of Bourbon, 1 TB of marinated Cranberry Simple Syrup, and 4-5 drops of Blood Orange Bitter. Stir lightly.

Garnish

5. Fill an old-fashioned glass with one large craft ice cube.
6. Strain your bourbon mixture into the glass.
7. Add 2 TB of bourbon-infused cranberries.
8. Twist a large slice of orange rind and add a cinnamon stick.

Optional Garnish Tricks

• If you want to be fancy, warm your orange rind back and forth over the flame of a match.
• Alternatively, light the end of a cinnamon stick, let it burn for a minute, and put the burnt end into the cocktail for a special effect and a smoky flavor.

A Toast to You

Now, sit back, relax, and savor the richness of your meticulously crafted Christmas Bourbon Infused Cranberry Old Fashioned.

Whether you’re making it for someone special or treating yourself because you deserve it, this cocktail will surely spread holiday cheer. Cheers! 🥃

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