The perfect Thanksgiving cocktail. This cranberry orange bourbon cocktail is a mellower, more flavorful take on an Old Fashioned.
This cranberry orange bourbon cocktail is a refined twist on the classic Old Fashioned, ideal for Thanksgiving. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, bourbon, a homemade orange-ginger simple syrup, and brandied cranberries create a balanced drink that pairs bright citrus with warm fall spices.
If you love an Old Fashioned, you’ll appreciate this seasonal version. It keeps the classic orange-and-bourbon pairing but lightens the profile with cranberry brightness and refreshing citrus so it won’t feel heavy during the meal.
Reasons to Love This Bourbon Cocktail:
- Bar-quality at home — simple techniques deliver a cocktail-lounge feel.
- Make-ahead friendly — brandied cranberries and syrups keep for up to two weeks.
- Attractive presentation — garnish with dried orange crisps and jewel-toned cranberries.
- Well balanced — tart fruit and citrus keep it refreshing, not cloying.
What Makes This Thanksgiving Cocktail Special
The Bourbon Base
Choose a bourbon with personality so it stands up to citrus and cranberries. Jefferson’s Reserve is recommended here, but any bourbon you enjoy in an Old Fashioned will work.
Fresh Orange Juice Makes a Difference
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor. A bit of pulp is fine; strain it if you prefer a smoother texture. Fresh juice lifts the cocktail and prevents it from feeling heavy.
Homemade Brandied Cranberries
Brandied cranberries are tart, boozy, and flavorful. They’re steeped in brandy, sugar syrup, and a cinnamon stick for at least 48 hours so the flavors deepen and complement the bourbon. The tartness refreshes the palate after rich holiday foods.
Orange Ginger Simple Syrup
The orange-ginger simple syrup adds gentle warmth and citrus complexity without overpowering the drink. It’s quick to make and stores well in the fridge.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Cocktail:
- Bourbon — pick a quality bourbon you enjoy (Jefferson’s Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, etc.).
- Fresh orange juice — fresh is best for bright flavor.
- Bitters — Angostura or orange bitters work nicely.
- Crushed ice — chills and dilutes just enough.
Brandied Cranberries:
- Fresh cranberries — frozen can substitute but fresh yields the best texture.
- Brandy — use a decent bottle, not the most expensive.
- Cinnamon stick — for warm spice notes.
- Short on time? Use store-bought brandied cherries or Luxardo cherries as a substitute.
Orange Ginger Syrup:
- Fresh ginger — peeled and cut into thin matchsticks for maximum flavor.
- Orange peel — remove wide strips with a peeler, avoiding the white pith.
- Keep refrigerated; syrup will last up to 2 weeks.
How to Assemble Cocktail
Step 1: Make the Brandied Cranberries (48 hours ahead)
- Stir 1/4 cup water and 3/4 cup sugar in a small pot and bring to a simmer. Add 6 oz fresh cranberries and coat them in the syrup; cook 30–45 seconds, just before they pop.
- Transfer to a 1/2-liter jar, add a cinnamon stick, pour in 1/2 cup brandy, and top with enough syrup to fill the jar.
- Refrigerate at least 48 hours; flavor improves with time.
Step 2: Make the Orange Ginger Simple Syrup (about 20 minutes)
- Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, ginger matchsticks, and orange peels in a pot.
- Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
- Cover and steep 20 minutes, strain, and refrigerate.
Step 3: Build the Cocktail
- Fill a lowball glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Add 2 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice.
- Add 2 oz bourbon, 1½ tsp orange-ginger syrup, 1½ tsp brandied cranberry syrup, and a dash of bitters. Stir until combined.
- Top with more crushed ice and garnish with brandied cranberries, a dried orange crisp, and a sprig of mint.
Expert Tips
Prep ahead for events: Make the brandied cranberries and simple syrup up to two weeks ahead so drinks assemble quickly when guests arrive.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with the suggested amounts of syrups, then tweak depending on how sweet your bourbon is and your personal preference.
Batch for a crowd: Multiply the recipe, combine all liquid components in a pitcher (leave out ice), and let guests serve over ice.
Dried orange crisps: They add a crisp texture and pretty garnish; you can dehydrate thin orange slices at low heat to make your own.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is ideal for:
- Thanksgiving dinner—as an aperitif or with dessert.
- Holiday parties—batch it for easy service.
- Christmas and New Year’s celebrations or cozy winter evenings.
Pairs well with:
- Rich, savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham.
- Pumpkin desserts and other fall sweets.
- Cheese boards featuring aged cheddar and brie, or spiced nuts and small bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare all the components—brandied cranberries, simple syrup, and fresh OJ—ahead and store them separately. Mix the drink when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
It’s similar in strength to an Old Fashioned (2 oz bourbon), but orange juice and crushed ice make it lighter and easier to sip.
Any rocks glass or tumbler works well. Use what you have—the drink is forgiving.
Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor. Bottled OJ will work in a pinch but won’t be as vibrant.
Cranberry Orange Bourbon with Brandied Cranberries
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 ½ teaspoon orange ginger simple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoon brandied cranberry syrup
- dash of bitters
- brandied cranberries (for garnish)
Orange Ginger Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
- orange peels from half an orange
Brandied Cranberries (in syrup):
- 6 oz fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup brandy
Instructions
-
Fill a lowball glass half full of crushed ice. Add the orange juice, bourbon, orange-ginger syrup, brandied cranberry syrup, and a dash of bitters. Stir to combine, top with additional ice if needed, and garnish with brandied cranberries and a dried orange crisp.
Orange Ginger Simple Syrup:
-
In a medium pot, combine water, sugar, ginger, and orange peels. Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Cover and steep 20 minutes, strain, and refrigerate. Keeps up to two weeks.
Brandied Cranberries:
-
Bring the water and sugar to a boil, add cranberries and stir until coated. Cook 30–45 seconds just before they pop. Transfer to a ½-liter jar, add a cinnamon stick, pour in the brandy, and top with syrup. Refrigerate at least 48 hours before using.
Notes
- If you don’t have time to make brandied cranberries, store-bought brandied cherries are a suitable shortcut.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!More Holiday Cocktails You’ll Love
Looking for more festive drink ideas? Try other seasonal cocktails to complement this one.
- Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail — bright and floral
- Bourbon Pumpkin Cocktail — fall flavors in a glass
- Orange Vanilla Mulled Wine — warm and cozy
- Spiced Whiskey Cobbler — another bourbon-forward option
- Cranberry Mint Julep — a lighter cranberry cocktail