Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

A cozy night just begs for a drink that feels both simple and a little special, doesn’t it? That’s why I keep coming back to this maple cranberry bourbon cocktail.

It’s got the warmth of bourbon, the tart bite of cranberry, and the mellow sweetness of maple syrup. The flavors come together in a way that just screams fall—or maybe winter, if you’re like me and want to stretch that cozy feeling.

I really appreciate how easy this is to put together, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy bar. The ingredients aren’t hard to track down, and you don’t need to be a professional to get it right.

You’ll just gather your tools, mix everything together, and before you know it, you’ve got a drink that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. Once you try it, I have a feeling it could become your go-to for the season.

Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

This drink nails that balance between bourbon’s warmth, cranberry’s tartness, and the deep, smooth sweetness of maple syrup. You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh ingredients, a couple of tools, and a few easy steps.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker with a lid that actually seals
• Jigger or a small measuring cup
• Fine mesh strainer for catching fruit bits or stray ice
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Rocks glass or a small tumbler
• Ice cubes or crushed ice
• Small saucepan (if you’re making cranberry syrup)
• Knife and cutting board for prepping garnishes
• Toothpicks or cocktail picks for cranberries

I keep everything within reach so I’m not scrambling once I start mixing. Clean tools and fresh ice really do make a difference.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ oz unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry syrup
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice (totally optional, but nice for brightness)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries or sugared cranberries for garnish
• Rosemary sprig for a little aroma and a pop of green

I stick with unsweetened cranberry juice so the drink doesn’t get too syrupy. Maple syrup brings just enough depth, no extra sugar needed. That rosemary? It adds a gentle piney note that plays well with the tart fruit.

Instructions

• Toss some ice in your cocktail shaker—about halfway full.
• Pour in the bourbon, maple syrup, and cranberry juice.
• If you’re in the mood for a little extra acidity, squeeze in some lemon juice.
• Snap the lid on tight and shake it hard for about 15 seconds. You want it nice and cold.
• Strain everything into a rocks glass loaded with fresh ice.
• Top with fresh cranberries or sugared cranberries on a pick.
• Tuck in a rosemary sprig for that herbal lift.

I always sneak a taste before serving, just to make sure the balance feels right. If it’s a little too tart, I’ll swirl in a few extra drops of maple syrup.

Notes

Sometimes I make my own cranberry syrup. I simmer a cup of cranberries with half a cup each of water and sugar until the berries pop. Once it cools, I strain it and stash it in the fridge for up to a week.

If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll splash in some sparkling water at the end. For extra festivity, I roll cranberries in sugar before threading them onto a pick.

Using fresh ingredients keeps the flavor bright, and real maple syrup adds a smooth, natural sweetness that just works with bourbon.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? I get this gentle warmth from the bourbon right away. It’s smooth—not heavy at all—so the other flavors have some room to show off.

The maple syrup brings in a soft sweetness that balances out the tart cranberry. Honestly, I think that combo just works.

As I go on, I start noticing these light wood and vanilla notes from the bourbon. They blend with the fruit, giving the whole drink a kind of cozy, autumn vibe.

The maple sticks around, but never gets cloying or too much. It just hangs there, making each sip feel a little richer.

Cranberry keeps things crisp, adding this sharp edge that stops the drink from getting too sweet. I really appreciate how it finishes bright and clean.

A bit of citrus from the garnish jumps out and perks up the flavor. It keeps everything feeling lively, which I love.

The texture? Silky, with a chilly touch from the ice. It glides across the tongue, and I catch the aroma of maple and bourbon rising up every time I take a sip.

Honestly, the way the sweet, tart, and warm notes balance out makes it easy to just sit back and enjoy this one slowly.