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!

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

Method

Make the simple syrup by bringing equal parts brown sugar and water to a quick boil until the sugar dissolves
Turn off the heat, and throw in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries. Let steep for at least 20 minutes
Rim your cocktail glass with some of the simple syrup and dip it 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.

Cortney LaCorte

Cortney LaCorte is the creator of CheeseGal, a food and entertaining blog born in her Nashville kitchen that celebrates cheese, charcuterie and joyful gatherings