Maple Cranberry Bourbon co*cktail - Holiday co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does cranberry and whiskey go together? ›

This cranberry cinnamon whiskey sour is the perfect warming co*cktail for the holiday season. Cranberry juice, bourbon, lemon and simple syrup poured over ice and cinnamon sticks for a holiday twist. Cheers!

It's the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and warm – a trifecta of flavors that just screams 'holiday cheer'. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Friendsgiving, a sparkling Christmas dinner, or just looking for a delicious way to enjoy a chilly evening, this Cranberry Bourbon co*cktail is your new go-to.

Cranberry juice is usually labeled "100% juice." Other fruits are sometimes added to balance the tart cranberry taste, but that label indicates that the product is made with 100% fruit juices. Cranberry juice co*cktail, meanwhile, has added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup for extra sweetness.

You can't go wrong with a classic! Otherwise known as a "vodka cran," the Cape Codder co*cktail is as simple as it gets: vodka and cranberry juice with a lime wedge for garnish. "I loved the tartness of this drink," says reviewer Sarah Jo.

Avoid foods that are strong in garlic or overly spicy as these will kill the flavour of any whisky. Spirits with strong flavours often match well with stronger foods and lighter spirits with foods with a lighter flavour profile, but you want the elements to complement each other rather than being too matchy-matchy.

The perfect bourbon co*cktail: Two parts bourbon One part pomegranate juice Splash of maple syrup Juice of 1/2 mandarin orange Top with ginger beer Garnish with rosemary sprig, mandarin twist and pomegranate seeds.

Complement or Contrast

For example, if the bourbon features notes of vanilla, dried fruit, or caramel, you can pair it with desserts like banana pudding, chocolate, or custard cake. Additionally, spicy or sweet dishes can complement bourbons with similar flavor profiles.

The New York Sour riffs on the classic Bourbon Sour with a float of dry red wine. Adding red wine enhances the aromatic qualities of the whiskey sour while adding a red tint to the bourbon drink.

Bourbon purists drink their juice neat- which means it's served at room temperature without anything added.

Scientists think that cranberries also interfere with bacteria sticking to the kidneys, just like they prevent it from sticking to the urinary tract. Look for low-sugar or unsweetened options. Extra sugar can increase both blood sugar and blood pressure, which are both harmful to the kidneys.

What's the healthiest cranberry juice? ›

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Cranberry Juice

Opt for one with 100% pure cranberry juice and no "added sugars" on the nutrition label. This is different from the naturally occurring sugars from the fruit which will be present in the juice.

Cranberry juice is the perfect complement in a number of drink recipes, but it can also stand alone and be enjoyed by itself. Its notable red color helps give co*cktails a pop, and Health.com says it has surprising health benefits, such as potentially preventing urinary tract infections and helping rheumatoid arthritis.

Black & White Cranberry

The whisky's rich notes complement the cranberry's tangy sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing beverage. Served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint, this co*cktail is perfect for both casual gatherings and formal occasions.

When you drink cranberry juice, you are more likely to urinate often, which can help flush alcohol from your body. But the fact is that you could drink water and get the same results. If your liver is healthy, your body will metabolize alcohol at a steady rate and can handle about a drink per hour.

Straight Jack Daniel's or Jack on the rocks may not be your idea of a tasty beverage. Combining the whiskey with cranberry juice and other sweet mixers lightens up Jack Daniel's characteristic assertive flavor.

If you enjoy a Scotch whisky, orange-flavoured chocolate can go down a treat. Fresh fruit can also bring out the complexities of whisky. Slices of apple and ripe pears pair well with Scotch while dried fruit such as figs and dates can complement a Tennessee whiskey and other caramel-flavoured varieties.

The sweet and sour taste of cranberry juice is particularly effective at balancing out the sweetness of bourbon while simultaneously cutting through any lingering burn that comes after taking a shot or sipping it straight.