Candied Cranberry Old Fashioned: Festive Thanksgiving Cocktail
Nov 17, 2025
Looking for a holiday cocktail that feels classic but still a little unexpected?
This Candied Cranberry Old Fashioned delivers. It’s rich, balanced, and quietly impressive without trying too hard. Bay leaf–infused bourbon, bright mandarin, and house-made candied cranberries come together for a drink that feels thoughtful and seasonal, not sweet or gimmicky.
It’s the kind of cocktail you pour when the table is full, the food is almost ready, and you want something that feels celebratory but grounded. Familiar enough to please everyone, distinctive enough to remember.
Why This Cranberry Old Fashioned Works
What makes this cocktail stand out is restraint and balance. Cranberry brings natural tartness and color, but it’s handled with intention rather than turned into a sugar bomb.
The bay leaf infusion adds a subtle herbal backbone that keeps the bourbon front and center. Mandarin brightens the drink just enough, lifting the aromatics without overpowering the base. Candied cranberries finish things off with texture and a touch of sweetness that feels earned.
The result is a holiday-ready Old Fashioned that’s layered, composed, and right at home on a Thanksgiving menu.
Cranberry Old Fashioned
x Christa Cotton
📸: Jes Gutierrez-Switaj
This recipe makes one serving.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bay leaf infused bourbon
- 2 oz Cranberry juice (NOT juice cocktail)
- ¹⁄₂ oz Maple syrup
- ¹⁄₂ oz Fresh mandarin orange juice
- 6 dashes El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters
- Bay leaves, mandarin slices & candied cranberries, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- To prepare bay leaf infused bourbon: Take 5 fresh bay leaves and crush them in your hands. Rip them into pieces and place in an 8 oz mason jar. Fill the jar with bourbon, seal it, and allow to infuse for 24 hours. Afterwards, strain, discard the leaves, and pour the bourbon back into a clean jar.
- For the cocktail: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the drink into a rocks glass over a fresh piece of ice.
- Garnish with bay leaves, a mandarin slice, and candied cranberries.
How to Make DIY Candied Cranberries
This simple recipe for candied cranberries provides the perfect garnish for your festive cranberry cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh cranberries
- ¹⁄₂ cup Sugar, divided in half
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse one cup of fresh cranberries and allow them to dry completely.
- In a saucepan, make a syrup using ¹⁄₄ cup sugar and ¹⁄₈ cup water. Remove from heat and allow to cool just a little.
- Pour in the cranberries and stir until they are completely coated.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire baking rack. Separate them so none are touching and allow them to dry for 1 hour.
- Put ¹⁄₄ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Add the cranberries a few at a time, turn them until they are completely coated, then set aside.
- Keep in an airtight container for up to one week.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bourbon for a cranberry old fashioned?
For this cranberry old fashioned, a smooth, mid-range bourbon works well. Avoid anything too smoky or overpowering. The key is to find a bourbon that will serve as a strong base without competing with the subtle flavors of the bay leaf and mandarin.
Can I use store-bought candied cranberries?
Yes, you can. While our DIY candied cranberries provide a fresh, homemade touch, store-bought candied cranberries or dried cranberries can be used as a convenient substitute. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What do El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters taste like?
El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters add a warm, spiced dimension to this cranberry cocktail. They feature flavors of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which perfectly complement the holiday theme of the drink and enhance the festive notes of the bourbon and cranberry.
For more FAQ, visit our main FAQ page!
