A Festive Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe: The Perfect Cranberry Cocktail

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive cranberry old fashioned? This unique cranberry cocktail, created by @the.sauceress, is a delicious twist on a classic, featuring a hint of bay leaf, a zesty kick of mandarin, and homemade candied cranberries for an elegant touch. It's a wonderful way to bring the spirit of the season to your glass and is a perfect addition to any holiday menu.

What Makes This Cranberry Cocktail So Special?

A cranberry cocktail is a holiday favorite because of its vibrant color and tart flavor, which pairs perfectly with spirits like bourbon and gin. The cranberry's seasonal availability makes it a staple in festive drinks. Our cranberry old fashioned elevates this classic by introducing unique, complementary flavors. The bay leaf infusion adds an unexpected herbal note that balances the sweetness, while the mandarin juice brightens the drink, making it both complex and refreshing.

The Candied Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe

This recipe was crafted by @the.sauceress to create a beautiful and complex drink. It makes one cocktail.

Ingredients

x @the.sauceress

• 2 oz Bay leaf infused bourbon
• 2 oz Cranberry juice (NOT juice cocktail)
• 0.5 oz Maple syrup
• 0.5 oz Fresh mandarin orange juice
• 6 dashes El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters
• Bay leaves, mandarin slices & candied cranberries, for garnish

Instructions

1. 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.
2. For the cocktail: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until the mixture is well chilled.
3. Strain the drink into a rocks glass over a fresh piece of ice.
4. 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.
• 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.