Cranberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for trying something new at home, and the cranberry bourbon smash is one of those cocktails that just works. It’s got that tart cranberry zing and the richness of bourbon—kind of fancy but not fussy.

If you’re after a cocktail that’s sweet, a bit sour, and super smooth, this cranberry bourbon smash is honestly a solid pick.

No need to hunt down rare ingredients or invest in bar gadgets. With a few basics from your kitchen and some easy-to-find stuff, you’ll have this drink ready in just a few minutes.

It’s great whether you’re having friends over or just unwinding by yourself.

Cranberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail Recipe

I really like how the sharpness of cranberries plays off the mellow bourbon. It’s simple to throw together, and the color is gorgeous in the glass.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Bar spoon
• Ice
• Small saucepan (if making cranberry syrup from scratch)

Honestly, having the right tools makes a difference. When I muddle fresh cranberries, I go for a sturdy muddler to really crush them.

A good shaker helps everything blend and chill fast. I stick to a jigger to keep the flavors balanced—no surprises that way.

If I’m making my own syrup, a small saucepan does the trick. And I love serving this in a rocks glass so you can really see that deep red color.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, your call)
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or cranberry syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• Handful of fresh cranberries (plus a few extra for garnish)
• Ice
• Lemon wheel or twist (for garnish)

If it’s cranberry season, I’ll grab fresh ones—they add a nice tartness and look great. Bourbon’s the star, so I pick one I’d actually sip straight.

Sometimes I swap in cranberry syrup for even more berry flavor. Lemon juice brightens everything up and keeps it from being too sweet.

And I never skimp on the ice—nobody likes a lukewarm cocktail.

Instructions

• Toss a handful of fresh cranberries into your cocktail shaker.
• Muddle them until they’re really broken up and juicy.
• Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, syrup (simple or cranberry), and lemon juice.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake it up for about 15 seconds.
• Strain the drink into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
• Top with a few cranberries and a lemon wheel or twist for garnish.

I always muddle the cranberries first to get that punch of flavor. Shaking with ice chills everything down, and straining keeps out any bits you don’t want.

Garnishing is worth the extra second—the cranberries and lemon make it look almost too good to drink.

Notes

If it’s not sweet enough, I’ll just add a splash more syrup, no big deal. Sweetened cranberry juice works if you want a softer, less tart drink.

For a festive touch, I sometimes freeze cranberries and use them as ice cubes. Kind of fun, honestly.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a splash of club soda on top does the trick. Out of fresh cranberries? Just use the juice and syrup, but I think it’s best with both.

And yeah, don’t cheap out on the bourbon—it really does matter.

Tasting Notes

Taking that first sip of the cranberry bourbon smash, the tartness of the cranberry jumps out right away. There’s this gentle, sour kick that wakes up your palate.

It’s bright, refreshing—kind of hard not to notice. Then the bourbon starts to show up, bringing a bit of oak and vanilla, and this warm, mellow undertone.

Honestly, it doesn’t overpower the cranberry at all; they work together surprisingly well. Each mouthful feels pretty balanced and smooth, which is always a plus.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds just enough citrus to keep things interesting. It stops the drink from getting too sweet, and there’s a little zing that sneaks in.

The club soda? That makes everything lighter, almost playful, with those tiny bubbles.

The finish is crisp, and honestly, pretty clean. There’s just a soft hint of bourbon and cranberry that sticks around for a few seconds.

Throw in a handful of ice cubes, and the whole thing stays cool and inviting. The mint on top adds this herbal aroma that makes each sip a little more fun.