[THEME] Ingredients
- 60ml (2 oz) of Bourbon
- 15ml (0.5 oz) of Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
| Complexity | Preparation | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 5 minutes | 1 serving |
[THEME] recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
- Pour 60ml (2 oz) of Bourbon into a mixing glass.
- Add 15ml (0.5 oz) of Cranberry Simple Syrup to the glass.
- Next, add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel and fresh cranberries.
- Your Cranberry Old Fashioned is ready to serve. Enjoy!
Pro Mixology Tips for the Best Cranberry Old Fashioned
Unlock the secret to the perfect Cranberry Old Fashioned with these professional mixology tips. This festive twist on a classic cocktail is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
| • Bourbon | 2 oz |
| • Cranberry Juice | 1 oz |
| • Simple Syrup | 1/2 oz |
| • Orange Bitters | 3 dashes |
| • Fresh Cranberries (for garnish) |
Pro Mixing Tips
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Always use high-quality bourbon – it significantly impacts the overall flavor of the cocktail.
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Use 100% cranberry juice, not cranberry juice cocktail, for a more authentic, less sweet flavor.
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Don’t skip on the orange bitters. They add a depth and complexity to the Cranberry Old Fashioned.
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Garnish with fresh cranberries for an extra festive touch and pop of color.
The Perfect Serve
“The secret to a great Cranberry Old Fashioned is in the serve. Always serve it in a short, round ‘rocks’ glass, over a large ice sphere or cube. This not only keeps the drink chilled for longer but also dilutes it at a slower rate, maintaining the quality and flavor of the cocktail.”
💡 A unique insight – To add a unique twist and extra festive flavor to your Cranberry Old Fashioned, consider muddling a few fresh cranberries in your glass before adding the rest of the ingredients. The tartness of the muddled cranberries adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bourbon and syrup.
Cranberry Old Fashioned: Essential Barware and Glassware
Essential Barware
Whether you’re a newbie to the cocktail scene or a seasoned mixologist, the essential barware for crafting a perfect Cranberry Old Fashioned includes a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a strainer, and a muddler. The mixing glass is used for combining your ingredients, while the bar spoon allows for gentle stirring to maintain the integrity of the cocktail. The strainer ensures a smooth pour into your glass, and the muddler is used for crushing the cranberries to release their flavor.
Perfect Glassware
When it comes to serving the Cranberry Old Fashioned, a short tumbler, also known as an Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass, is the traditional choice. This glass type is perfect for this cocktail as it allows for the muddled ingredients and ice (rocks) to be beautifully displayed.
Alternate Bar Essentials
If you don’t have the standard bar tools at home, don’t worry! You can still enjoy a homemade Cranberry Old Fashioned. Use a large glass instead of a mixing glass, a long spoon in place of a bar spoon, a kitchen sieve as a strainer, and the end of a wooden spoon as a muddler. As for glassware, a wine glass or even a mason jar can make a fun and rustic alternative to the traditional Old Fashioned glass.
💡 Remember, the key to a perfect Cranberry Old Fashioned is to muddle the cranberries just enough to release their juice, but not so much that they become a mushy mess. This will ensure your cocktail has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Best Cranberry Old Fashioned Food Pairings
As the delicate balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors in a Cranberry Old Fashioned cocktail tantalizes your palate, it’s only fitting to pair it with foods that complement its complexity. From robust cheeses to creamy desserts, we have handpicked the best food options to enjoy with this festive cocktail.
Rich Cheeses
Strongly flavored cheeses such as blue cheese or sharp cheddar can balance the tartness of the cranberry in your Old Fashioned. A cheese board featuring an assortment of these varieties will provide a delightful contrast to your cocktail.
Smoky Meats
Smoked meats like bacon or ham offer a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the sweet and sour profile of a Cranberry Old Fashioned. The smoky flavor enhances the cocktail’s complexity, making for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Sweet Desserts
Sugary treats like chocolate or vanilla-based desserts will complement the flavorful depth of a Cranberry Old Fashioned. The cocktail’s tartness will cut through the dessert’s sweetness, creating an ideal balance.
| Food Option | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|
| Blue Cheese | Its strong flavor balances the cocktail’s tartness |
| Smoked Ham | Its savory touch enhances the cocktail’s complexity |
| Chocolate Dessert | Its sweetness complements the cocktail’s flavorful depth |
💡 Cranberry Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be paired with a wide range of foods. However, the best pairings are those that either complement or contrast its unique flavor profile, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Cranberry Old Fashioned Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
For a Cranberry Old Fashioned cocktail, you’ll need bourbon, fresh cranberries, sugar, an orange peel, and Angostura bitters. Some recipes may also call for a dash of club soda or a cherry for garnish.
What’s the process for making a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
To make a Cranberry Old Fashioned, start by muddling the cranberries in a mixing glass. Add bourbon, sugar, and bitters, and stir until well combined. Fill the glass with ice, top with club soda if you like, and garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
Which bourbon brands are best for a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
The choice of bourbon can greatly influence the taste of your Cranberry Old Fashioned. Brands like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Bulleit are popular choices. However, any high-quality bourbon will work.
What barware is needed to make a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
You’ll need a mixing glass, a muddler, a bar spoon, and an Old Fashioned glass to make this cocktail. A cocktail strainer may also be useful if you prefer your drink without the muddled cranberries.
What is the appropriate glassware for serving a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
A Cranberry Old Fashioned is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass, which is a short tumbler glass.
What foods pair well with a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
The tartness of the cranberries and the richness of the bourbon make this cocktail a great pairing with savory dishes like roast turkey and grilled steak, as well as sweet desserts like chocolate cake or apple pie.
How is a Cranberry Old Fashioned usually presented?
A Cranberry Old Fashioned is typically served in an Old Fashioned glass, garnished with an orange peel and a cherry. Some bartenders also like to add a few whole cranberries for visual appeal.
What is the caloric content of a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
A standard Cranberry Old Fashioned has approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. This can vary slightly based on the type of bourbon and the amount of sugar used.
Does a Cranberry Old Fashioned contain any common allergens?
Unless you have a specific allergy to any of the ingredients used (bourbon, cranberries, sugar, orange peel, or bitters), a Cranberry Old Fashioned should be safe to consume. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure.
How much does it cost to make a Cranberry Old Fashioned at home?
The cost of making a Cranberry Old Fashioned at home can vary depending on the brand of bourbon you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between $30-$50 for a bottle of good quality bourbon. The other ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making this a cost-effective cocktail to make at home.
What is the alcohol content (ABV) of a Cranberry Old Fashioned?
The alcohol content of a Cranberry Old Fashioned can vary depending on the specific bourbon used. On average, this cocktail has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of around 15-20%.
