Festive Cranberry Bourbon Smash

This festive Cranberry Bourbon Smash is the perfect holiday drink. It combines the smoothness of bourbon with the vibrant flavors of homemade cranberry puree, infused with a rosemary and orange syrup. Finished with a splash of sparkling water, this cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and herbal notes, making it an ideal choice for any seasonal celebration.

Festive Cranberry Bourbon Smash

A festive and vibrant cocktail combining bourbon, homemade cranberry puree, and a hint of rosemary and orange syrup, topped with sparkling water for a refreshing twist.

4.22 from 48 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 2 oz cranberry puree
  • 0.25 oz rosemary syrup (or substitute simple syrup)
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Sparkling water to top
  • Ice
  • Garnish: sugar-coated rosemary sprig and cranberries
  • Cranberry puree:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 TBS water
  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Orange zest

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cranberries, water, and vanilla. Cook until the cranberries soften and the mixture caramelizes.
  2. Whisk in the cream and cook until the mixture thickens. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Let it cool.
  3. In a shaker tin, muddle 3 cranberries with the cranberry puree and lemon juice.
  4. Add the bourbon, rosemary syrup, and orange bitters to the shaker.
  5. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds.
  6. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  7. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sugar-coated rosemary sprig and cranberries.