Picture this: the amber warmth of premium bourbon dancing with ruby-red cranberries, a whisper of fresh herbs, and the gentle fizz of ginger ale. That’s what awaits you in every sip of a Cranberry Bourbon Smash—a cocktail that captures the essence of fall and winter celebrations in a single glass.
This isn’t just another holiday cocktail. The Cranberry Bourbon Smash represents everything we love about seasonal entertaining: bold flavors that complement each other, simple preparation that lets you spend more time with guests, and that Instagram-worthy presentation that makes everyone reach for their phone. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, throwing a holiday party, or simply want to elevate your weeknight wind-down routine, this cocktail delivers sophistication without pretension.
What makes a “smash” cocktail so special? Unlike traditional mixed drinks that follow strict ratios, smash cocktails embrace creativity and seasonal ingredients. They’re designed to highlight fresh fruits, herbs, and spirits in their most natural form—muddled, mixed, and served over ice for a rustic elegance that feels both refined and approachable.
This recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with bourbon’s caramel undertones, balanced by a touch of sweetness and the warming spice of ginger ale. The result? A cocktail that tastes like autumn in a glass and looks stunning on any table.
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Cranberry Bourbon Smash Recipe
Description
Discover this festive Cranberry Bourbon Smash Recipe—a perfect holiday cocktail blending tart cranberries, smooth bourbon, and warming spices. Easy to make!
For the Cranberry Simple Syrup
For Each Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Making the Cranberry Simple Syrup
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Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add water and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
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Add cranberries: Once the sugar dissolves, add the fresh cranberries to the mixture. You'll hear them start to pop as they heat up—this is exactly what you want.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst and release their natural juices, creating a beautiful ruby color.
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Cool and strain: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a clean glass jar or bottle, pressing the cranberry pulp to extract maximum flavor.
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Store: The cranberry simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Making the Cocktail
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Prepare your glass: Fill a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass with ice. If you prefer crushed ice, it creates a more authentic "smash" texture.
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Muddle cranberries: In the bottom of your glass, gently muddle 4-6 fresh cranberries with one sprig of rosemary. Don't overdo it—you want to release the juices without creating a pulpy mess.
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Add bourbon: Pour 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon over the muddled fruit.
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Sweeten: Add 1-2 ounces of cranberry simple syrup, depending on your sweetness preference. Start with less and adjust to taste.
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Top and garnish: Fill the rest of the glass with ginger ale (about 4 ounces). Gently stir to combine. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig, a few whole cranberries, and a lemon twist if desired.
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Serve immediately: Present with a bar spoon for stirring and enjoy while the ice keeps everything perfectly chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 15mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Sugars 38g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pro Tips for the Perfect Smash:
- Choose your bourbon wisely: Mid-range bourbons work beautifully here. Look for brands with caramel or vanilla notes that complement the cranberries. Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, or Woodford Reserve are excellent choices.
- Fresh is best: While frozen cranberries work in a pinch for the simple syrup, fresh cranberries provide better texture and flavor for muddling.
- Don't over-muddle: Gentle pressure releases the juices without creating bitter compounds from the cranberry skins.
Substitutions & Variations:
- No simple syrup? Replace with 2-3 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice and add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup.
- Make it a mocktail: Skip the bourbon and add extra ginger ale or ginger beer for a spicier kick.
- Different spirits: Try this recipe with dark rum for a Caribbean twist, or use rye whiskey for a spicier profile.
- Herb variations: Substitute rosemary with fresh thyme, sage, or even mint for different flavor profiles.
- Seasonal twist: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while making the simple syrup for warm spice notes.
Storage Tips:
- Cranberry simple syrup keeps for 3 weeks refrigerated
- Make larger batches of syrup during cranberry season and freeze in ice cube trays for year-round use
- Always use clean utensils when serving from the syrup jar to prevent contamination
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