I first shook up this Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail last December, watching the fragrant steam of rosemary rise as the ice tumbled in the shaker. After three rounds of tweaking the bourbon-to-citrus balance, I found a blend where the tart cranberry juice and sweet orange melded into a warm, glowing sip. It feels like a holiday hearth in a glass, with gentle sizzling from the sparkling wine and a nutty toasted scent of bitters opening with each swirl.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail
- A festive harmony of tart cranberry and bright orange with bourbon’s caramel depth
- Quick 5-minute prep for an elegant party pour
- Glossy surface crowned by gentle bubbles from sparkling wine
- Rooted in classic Old Fashioned techniques with a seasonal twist
A Little Background
On a snowy evening, I tested this blend by the firelight, noting how the cranberry juice’s deep ruby tone gleamed through the glass. Originally, I aimed for a simple spritz, but the first version felt flat. After adding Cointreau for brightness and a sprig of rosemary for its piney aroma, I landed on something that sings of winter celebrations.
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail
- 2 oz Bourbon: Provides warmth and caramel notes (try Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
- 1 oz Cointreau: Adds bright orange lift; swap for triple sec if needed
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice: Tart backbone—use unsweetened for a sharper edge
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice: For juicy citrus freshness—juice just before mixing
- ½ oz Simple Syrup: Smooth sweetness—adjust up to ¾ oz for a rounder finish
- Sparkling Wine: Top-off fizz—choose dry Prosecco or Brut Champagne
How to Make Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and ½ oz simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, until the exterior feels icy cold and you hear a soft crackling as the ice shifts.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes for a silky smooth sip and golden edges.
- Gently top with sparkling wine—pour slowly to keep the bubbles dancing across the glossy surface.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Shake-and-chill discovery: a full 20-second shake locks in cold and clarity without over-dilution.
- If the drink tastes too sharp, stir in an extra ¼ oz simple syrup—sweetness tempers tartness.
- For a winter variation, swap sparkling wine for ginger beer and skip the orange juice for a darker profile.
- Doubling this recipe? Mix base ingredients in a pitcher and stir well before topping individual glasses.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
You can pre-mix the bourbon, Cointreau, juices, and simple syrup up to 24 hours ahead—keep covered in the fridge at 40°F or below. Discard any leftover mixed cocktail after 48 hours for best flavor and safety. Always store bitters and syrups separately at room temperature, and chill your sparkling wine just before serving to maintain fizz.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail alongside spiced nuts, dark chocolate truffles, or a cheese board featuring aged Gouda. For a festive garnish swap, thread cranberries and orange slices on a rosemary sprig for an edible pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail? It’s a seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining bourbon, cranberry and orange juices with simple syrup and sparkling wine.
- How do I balance sweetness and tartness? Start with ½ oz simple syrup; taste mid-shake and add up to ¾ oz if the cranberry juice is too sharp.
- Can I make this cocktail without a shaker? Yes—stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then strain and top with sparkling wine.
- What sparkling wine works best? Dry Prosecco or a Brut Champagne keeps the drink crisp and prevents it from feeling too sweet.
- How far ahead can I prepare the mix? Store the combined bourbon, liqueur, juices, and syrup in the fridge for up to 24 hours—discard after 48.
- Can I substitute fresh orange juice? For convenience, high-quality store-bought is okay, but always aim for freshly squeezed when possible.
Final Thoughts
After multiple rounds by the fireplace and countless toasts with friends, this Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail remains my go-to festive pour. The way the cranberry’s ruby color catches the light—and how the rosemary releases that piney, nutty scent—always draws compliments. Give it a whirl at your next gathering and share your tweaks below!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Paloma Recipe – bright grapefruit and lime notes pair beautifully with the cranberry-orange flavors
- Moscow Mule Recipe – the gentle fizz and zesty lime echo the sparkling finish of your Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Margarita Recipe – another shaker favorite featuring fresh citrus juices and a hint of sweetness for cocktail lovers
Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 oz cranberry juice unsweetened if available
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup adjust up to ¾ oz for sweetness
- sparkling wine to top off; use dry Prosecco or Brut Champagne
Instructions
Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and ½ oz simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, until the exterior feels icy cold and you hear a soft crackling as the ice shifts.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes for a silky smooth sip and golden edges.
- Gently top with sparkling wine—pour slowly to keep the bubbles dancing across the glossy surface.