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.
More whiskey cocktails: Irish breakfast shot / spiked eggnog / salted maple old fashioned / lion’s tail cocktail
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- 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.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
More holiday cocktails to try: pomegranate gin cocktail / candy cane martini / Christmas gin cocktail / brandy slush
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
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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