Fall just feels like the perfect time for cozy drinks, doesn’t it? Nothing screams autumn more than sweet-tart cranberries in your glass.
This Autumn Cranberry Old Fashioned is my twist on the classic cocktail—absolutely ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re hosting friends. I love how those cranberry and orange flavors mingle with smooth bourbon.
If you want a drink that’s simple but still feels a little special, this one’s for you. The ingredients are easy to snag, and honestly, no fancy bar gadgets required.
Autumn Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
This version uses fresh cranberries and bourbon whiskey for a fun twist on the original. It’s got that tart cranberry punch, a little sweetness, and those cozy, warm notes from bitters and cinnamon.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I like using this to blend everything, especially if I’m adding cranberry juice or syrup.
- Muddler: Smashing a few fresh cranberries (and sometimes some orange zest) at the bottom of the glass really wakes up the flavors.
- Jigger: For measuring out the bourbon, syrup, and juice—otherwise, I tend to overpour.
- Bar spoon: Good for stirring gently, so everything gets cozy together.
- Rocks glass (Old Fashioned Glass): I just love the look and feel of these for this drink.
- Strainer: Needed if you’re shaking things up and want a clean pour.
- Large ice cube or ice cubes: I prefer one big cube so things don’t get watered down too fast.
- Peeler: For that strip of orange zest on top.
- Cinnamon stick: Optional, but honestly, it’s worth it for the aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (pick your favorite smooth one)
- 1/2 oz cranberry simple syrup or just regular simple syrup
- 1/4 oz cranberry juice (I go for unsweetened for more tang)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Fresh cranberries (a few for muddling, a few for garnish)
- 1 splash lemon juice (optional, if you want it brighter)
- 1 maple syrup (optional, for a deeper, richer sweetness)
- Ice cube or ice cubes
- Orange zest (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish or stirring)
Instructions
- Drop a few fresh cranberries in your glass and muddle gently to get the juices out.
- Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz cranberry simple syrup, and 1/4 oz cranberry juice.
- Add 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters. If you’re using lemon juice or maple syrup, toss those in now.
- Fill up the glass with a big ice cube (or a few smaller ones).
- Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds—just enough to chill and mix.
- If you used a shaker, strain into your rocks glass. If you built it in the glass, just give it a good stir.
- Garnish with a twist of orange zest, extra cranberries, and maybe a cinnamon stick.
Notes
I usually reach for cranberry simple syrup for that extra berry kick, but maple syrup gives a nice, deeper sweetness if that’s your thing. Muddling real cranberries makes the drink look festive and adds a sharp, tart edge.
Angostura bitters are classic here, but orange bitters really brighten things up. Sometimes, I’ll skip the orange bitters and just squeeze in a little lemon juice if I’m feeling zesty.
A cinnamon stick isn’t just for looks—it smells amazing and brings those fall vibes. I’m all about one big ice cube because it melts slow and keeps things cold. If bourbon’s not around, rye whiskey adds a bit of spice.
Peeling the orange zest right over the drink is a tiny detail, but it makes the aroma pop. The fresh cranberries on top? They just look great, especially as the weather gets colder.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Large ice cube mold
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- ½ oz cranberry simple syrup or regular simple syrup
- ¼ oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 2 –3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Fresh cranberries for muddling + garnish
- Splash of lemon juice optional
- ¼ oz maple syrup optional, for richer sweetness
- Large ice cube or ice cubes
- Orange zest for garnish
- Cinnamon stick optional, for garnish/stirring
Instructions
- Muddle a few fresh cranberries in the bottom of a rocks glass or cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds to chill and mix.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube (or use the glass you built it in).
- Garnish with orange zest, a few cranberries, and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Tasting Notes
First sip, and the balance of sweet and tart is what jumps out. The cranberry hits up front, then the bourbon’s warmth follows right behind.
The orange and cinnamon give it that cozy, autumn feel. I’m glad the spiced notes don’t take over—they just hang out in the background.
If I’ve got sugared cranberries, I’ll throw a few on top for a sweet crunch. Sometimes, I swap in a brandied cherry for a deeper fruit flavor, but that’s just me.
Here’s how the flavors stack up:
| Flavor | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry | Strong | Tart yet sweet |
| Bourbon | Medium | Smooth, warm undertones |
| Cinnamon | Light | Mild spice in the background |
| Orange | Light | Fresh, subtle citrus |
| Cherry | Optional | Rich, if using as garnish |
A cinnamon stick as a stirrer? It’s kind of perfect—gives off a great aroma the whole time. Makes the whole thing feel like fall in a glass.
I find it’s not too sweet or too strong, so it’s easy to sip whether you’re relaxing solo or having a few friends over. The fruit and spice together make it stand out from your usual Old Fashioned.
Substitute
Sometimes I’m missing an ingredient or two for my Autumn Cranberry Old Fashioned. I’m not about to let that stop me from enjoying a good drink, so I just grab whatever’s handy and see what works.
If I’m out of whiskey or rye, honestly, I’ll reach for vodka. It turns the drink lighter—kind of softer, too.
Other Alcohol Swaps:
- Bourbon for whiskey or rye: brings in a sweeter, richer vibe
- Vodka instead of whiskey: goes down milder, not so smoky
When there’s no fresh cranberry juice in the fridge, I’ll use cranberry juice cocktail. It’s definitely sweeter, so I just cut back on the sugar.
Craving something fruitier? I’ll swap in apple cider for cranberry juice. That crisp fall flavor is hard to beat.
Every now and then, I want a little more zing, so I’ll splash in some triple sec. That orange liqueur really perks things up.
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Rye or whiskey | Vodka or bourbon |
| Cranberry juice | Cranberry cocktail |
| Cranberry juice | Apple cider |
| Simple syrup | Maple syrup or honey |
| Bitters | Orange bitters |
