This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on the classic drink! With tangy cranberries and smooth whiskey, it’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The bright red color makes it look festive and fancy, but it’s super easy to whip up. I love to enjoy this drink with friends—it’s great for toasting to good times! Cheers! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon adds a rich depth to the cocktail. If you prefer a smoother flavor, try using rye whiskey. For a non-alcoholic version, you can swap it with non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for a bright taste. If unavailable, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as zesty. You could also try lime juice for a different twist.
Cranberry Syrup: You can easily make your own by cooking cranberries with sugar and water. If you’re short on time, good-quality cranberry juice sweetened with simple syrup does the trick. Avoid overly sweet juices, though!
Egg White: The egg white adds a lovely froth. If you’re concerned about using raw eggs, you can leave it out or use aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) as a plant-based alternative for frothiness.
How Do I Achieve the Best Foam with Egg White?
Making a frothy cocktail is all about the shake! If you’re using egg white, start with a dry shake, meaning no ice for the first shake. This helps to emulsify the egg and create that foamy texture.
- Combine all liquid ingredients and the egg white in your shaker.
- Shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds. Trust me; it pays off!
- After the dry shake, add ice cubes and shake again until chilled, usually around 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into your glass, and you’ll see that beautiful frothy layer on top!
How to Make a Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz cranberry syrup (or cranberry juice with simple syrup)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10-15 minutes to prepare everything. You’ll spend time shaking and mixing your ingredients, plus a little extra time for garnishing. It’s quick yet impressive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients for Froth:
If you’re using an egg white for that lovely froth, start by adding the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, cranberry syrup, simple syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker. Shake it well without ice for about 15 seconds—this is called a dry shake. It helps create the frothy texture we love!
2. Chill it Down:
Now, add a handful of ice cubes to the cocktail shaker. Shake it again for another 10-15 seconds, until well chilled and mixed. This will give you a deliciously cold drink.
3. Strain and Serve:
Grab an old-fashioned glass and fill it with fresh ice. Using a strainer, pour the mixture into the glass. Enjoy the beautiful froth floating on top—you’ve done great!
4. Garnish Your Cocktail:
Now it’s time to make your drink look fancy! Take fresh cranberries and thread them onto a skewer, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Place the skewer in the glass along with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of color.
5. Optional Touch:
If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle a little more powdered sugar around the cranberries and on the drink for a wintry touch.
6. Enjoy!
Cheers to your delicious Cranberry Whiskey Sour! Take a sip and enjoy the refreshing flavors. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself—it’s that good!
Can I Use Other Types of Whiskey?
Absolutely! While bourbon gives a rich flavor, you can substitute it with rye whiskey or even a smooth Irish whiskey if you prefer a lighter taste. Each will give a slightly different twist to the cocktail!
What Can I Substitute for Egg White?
If you’re not comfortable using raw egg white, you can easily skip it. Alternatively, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a vegan option. It whips up similarly and provides that frothy texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail Ingredients?
To store leftover cranberry syrup, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Fresh lemon juice should be stored in the fridge as well, preferably in a sealed container, and used within a few days for the best flavor.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the mixture (without ice) in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of hours. Shake with ice just before serving to preserve the froth and chill.
