RECIPE 4 of my THANKSGIVING MENU SERIES: BROWN SUGAR + CRANBERRY BOURBON COCKTAIL 🥃🎄
It’s time for cocktails in our menu series, and I’ll go ahead and tell you that this is the first of MANY cocktail recipes coming your way! First, let’s discuss the brown sugar cranberry + rosemary simple syrup. I wanted to give the cocktail some depth,so instead of cane sugar, I used brown sugar. Then, I threw in some rosemary + cranberries to bring in the holiday flavors. I actually use this simple syrup several times throughout the season in various cocktails! It keeps like a dream as long as it’s stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
Though the base is bourbon, it’s actually really bright, and tbh a little too easy to drink, Ha!
NOTE: Below you’ll find the recipe for a single serving, but it can EASILY be made into a big batch by simply multiplying the recipe X however many drinks you wanna make. Pour all ingredients into a pitcher the morning of (without ice) and simply shake before pouring into each glass later! Ps, the tutorial for the festive holiday ice I used in this is coming soon! 👀🎄❄️
INGREDIENTS:
3 ounces bourbon
2 ounces 100% cranberry juice (not cran cocktail)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce rosemary cran brown sugar simple syrup
DIRECTIONS:
First, make the simple syrup by bringing equal parts brown sugar and water to a quick boil until sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat, and throw in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries. Let steep for at least 20 min.
Meanwhile, rim your cocktail glass with some of the simple syrup and dip into brown sugar, then add a festive ice cube. Pour cranberry juice, bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker full of ice, and shake well. Strain + pour into prepared glass and garnish with rosemary + some frosted cranberries. 🎄
*To make this a mocktail, omit the bourbon and replace with sparkling water or a NA bourbon/whiskey.
Note: You can use the cranberries from the Simple to make frosted cranberries! 😉 delicious snacks and pretty garnishes.
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Would you be able to give directions on the festive ice cubes please
Hi there! I just added it to this blog post – enjoy!
Just curious, the technique for the simple syrup is a bit different here than you showed on tiktok (mainly steeping the cranberries for the whole time vs just for a minute or two). I’m curious if there’s really a difference or if you have guidance? I made the recipe based on the tiktok video and it tastes good but to be honest I’m not sure if I can detect the cranberry flavor. I’m not sure how much you can get from whole cranberries without crushing them or something, though…
Thanks for all the great recipes!
Hi there! Yes there are a few techniques I show you are right! steeping them longer def brings through the cranberry more, but then you can’t use them to make sugared cranberries. That’s why you see the difference but I totally understand how that’s confusing. Thanks for your comment! Happy Holidays!!
Mine didn’t look red at all! It was more brown colored
it’s dependent on what cranberry juice you’re using. It’s a bourbon cocktail so it will be more brown than red!
Where is the recipe for the rosemary cranberry brown sugar simple syrup. This is very frustrating
Hi there, it’s located in the first paragraph of the directions.
What’s the best bourbon to use for this recipe?
I’m confused as to what “equal parts” brown sugar and water means – can you explain?
Equal parts means however much water you put in, you put equal sugar. Example: 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar
Okay, thanks!