Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

The Old Fashioned just never gets old, does it? I love giving it a seasonal spin. Bourbon, cranberry, and orange come together for a drink that’s bright, smooth, and honestly just easy to sip. This Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned is my go-to for refreshing a timeless drink with some bold flavor and balance.

There’s something about tart cranberry mixing with warm bourbon and that citrusy hint of orange that just works. It kind of reminds me of a cranberry orange whiskey sour, but it keeps the depth you’d expect from a real bourbon cocktail.

I usually whip this up with everyday ingredients and just a few easy steps. It’s great for quiet nights or when a couple friends drop by.

I’ll show you how I mix it, what gear I grab, and how I like to serve it for the best flavor. I threw in some tasting notes so you get a sense of the flavor profile and how it stacks up to the classic rye whiskey Old Fashioned.

Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

This drink hits the spot for me because bourbon’s warmth and cranberry’s tartness just balance each other out. The cranberry simple syrup, bitters, and citrus make it feel both classic and seasonal at the same time.

Equipment

When I make this cranberry bourbon cocktail, I just reach for a few basic bar tools. Having everything within reach makes things go a lot smoother.

• Rocks glass for serving
• Mixing glass for stirring
• Bar spoon to mix things up
• Muddler if you want to press fruit or sugar
• Jigger for measuring bourbon and syrup
• Strainer to pour without the mess
• Large ice cube or just regular ice cubes
• Peeler or knife for the orange peel
• Small saucepan if you’re making the cranberry syrup from scratch

I always reach for a big ice cube—it melts slower and keeps the drink cold without making it watery.

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. I just measure things out to keep it balanced.

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz cranberry simple syrup (equal parts sugar, water, and cranberries)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
• Cinnamon stick for aroma (optional)

The cranberry syrup brings a bit of sweetness and color, while the bitters add some depth. I’m partial to a smooth bourbon with a hint of vanilla or caramel, but go with what you like.

Instructions

I make the cranberry simple syrup ahead of time so it has a chance to cool. After that, mixing everything together is pretty quick.

• Pour bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass.
• Fill it with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
• Express the orange peel over the drink to get those oils, then drop it in.
• Toss in a cinnamon stick or a couple fresh cranberries if you feel like it.

I always stir instead of shake; it keeps the drink clear and smooth.

Notes

Tweaking the syrup amount lets me adjust the sweetness however I want. If I’m in the mood for a stronger bourbon kick, I just use a bit less syrup. For something fruitier, I’ll muddle a few cranberries before stirring.

If I run out of orange bitters, I stick with just Angostura. Still good, but the orange gives it a nice citrus lift. A cinnamon stick adds a subtle spice that works surprisingly well with cranberry and bourbon.

Serving it in a chilled rocks glass keeps it crisp longer.

Tasting Notes

The bourbon jumps out at me first. It brings this warm, caramel flavor—rich, but thankfully not too heavy.

Then the cranberry kicks in. That light tartness really brightens up each sip, keeping things nicely balanced.

Honestly, the sweet and tart combo makes this a pretty great holiday cocktail. The cranberry’s festive color just looks fantastic in the glass.

There’s something cozy here, but it still manages to feel refreshing.

With another sip, I pick up on hints of orange peel and bitters. The orange gives off a soft citrus note, and the bitters add a gentle spice that hangs around for a bit.

The texture comes through smooth, with a touch of sweetness that lets the bourbon shine. I find it easy to sip slowly, catching the aroma of fruit and oak.

Flavor Notes:

• Sweetness: Mild and balanced
• Tartness: Moderate, thanks to cranberry
• Bitterness: Subtle, from bitters and orange peel
• Body: Smooth and warming

All the flavors come together in a way that feels both familiar and a little special. I love serving this when friends drop by during the colder months.