Quick Maple Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail: Easy Holiday Drink in Minutes
A quick and easy cocktail combining bourbon, tart cranberry juice, and rich maple syrup, balanced with fresh lime and garnished with orange. Perfect for holiday entertaining or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Wild Turkey 101)
- 3 oz (90 ml) 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- ½ oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber preferred)
- ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- Ice (large cubes preferred)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Chill your rocks glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes, or fill with ice water while prepping.
- In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, ½ oz maple syrup, 3 oz cranberry juice, and ½ oz fresh lime juice.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 15-20 seconds until the maple syrup is fully dissolved.
- Fill the chilled glass with one large ice cube or a few smaller ones.
- Pour the cocktail mixture over the ice.
- Express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it to release oils, then rub the rim and drop it in.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) and a bourbon you enjoy sipping. Fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness. For a batch, multiply ingredients and mix in a pitcher without ice; refrigerate up to 3 days. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with strong brewed chai tea or non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: maple bourbon cranberry cocktail, easy holiday drink, quick cocktail recipe, bourbon cocktail, cranberry cocktail