Why we love this cranberry orange whiskey sour
- Just like the apple cider bourbon cocktail, this simple whiskey cocktail is another blend of ingredients we already have on hand, and the flavor combination is a classic for the fall/winter season.
- I opted to go egg-free for this sour cocktail, but I do think it would be incredible served as a Boston-style sour if you’re in the mood for something a little bit creamy.
- For garnish, I made a pretty skewer with cranberries and an orange peel, but you could also use a dried orange. Or, go holiday-inspired with a cranberry/rosemary combo.
Here’s what you’ll need to make it
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Equipment
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- Whiskey – Any of your favorite whiskey bottles will work here. I think we used a classic Canadian blend from Costco for this one.
- Cranberry juice – Cranberry cocktail from the fruit juice section is what we used. It has added sweetness, and it’s not as overpowering as unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Orange juice – Fresh squeezed is always best for this, but bottled orange juice will work fine, too.
- Simple syrup – You can use homemade simple syrup, or you can substitute another liquid sweetener like demerara syrup or even agave nectar.
- Orange bitters – Bitters enhance a cocktail by adding depth and complexity while helping balance flavors. Orange bitters will do just that, but with a concentrated flavor from bitter orange peels. You can feel free to use cranberry bitters, or even Angostura bitters.
How to make a cranberry orange whiskey sour
Shake your cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and your cocktail ingredients. Cover and shake until cold.
Garnish and serve. Add a large ice cube to an old fashioned glass, and strain the cocktail. Make a garnish with cranberry and orange peel (see photo below for inspiration) and add it to the cocktail before serving.
Everything you need to know about the whiskey sour
What’s the difference between a whiskey sour and an old fashioned?
A whiskey sour has citrus added to the cocktail, while an old fashioned cocktail is made with juice sweetener (usually simple syrup or sugar), bitters and spirit. Typically, a sour will have a bit more sweetener than an old fashioned, too.
What does the egg white do in a whiskey sour?
The egg white emulsifies into the cocktail as it is shaken and creates a creamier mouthfeel and foam that settles on the top of the cocktail as it’s poured. It also tends to change the flavor profile a little bit, making the flavors less pronounced and more subtle.
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 – 2 dashes of orange bitters
- For garnish: orange peel (fresh cranberries (optional))
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add cocktail ingredients. Cover and shake until cold.
- Strain into a cocktail glass with ice and garnish a cocktail pick of cranberries and an orange peel.
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