When it comes to cocktails the standards are classic for a reason, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dress them up a bit for the holidays. Take the old fashioned, the time honored cocktail elevated with a pop of bright red and a backdrop of sweet-tart flavor with a ruby colored cranberry simple syrup. This Cranberry Old Fashioned is easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and every day in between.
The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
History of the Old Fashioned Cocktail
The first known definition of the concept of a cocktail dates back to 1806 in upstate New York, where the Federalist Newspaper “The Balance and Repository” defined cocktail as “spirit, sugar, water and bitters”. This looks a whole lot like today’s standard Old Fashioned recipe. Typically an old fashioned is made with whiskey, bourbon or rye; though in Wisconsin they have their own spin on this cocktail in the form of a brandy old fashioned.
How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned
To make a cranberry old fashioned we first start by making a batch of cranberry simple syrup ( which is also great for my Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour). This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of simple syrup but will keep in the fridge for about a month or you will have plenty of simple syrup to make a pitcher of cranberry old fashioneds (great for Thanksgiving or a holiday party!).
After making the simple syrup this recipe is pretty easy, whether you are making a single cocktail or a bigger batch for a party. Just combine the cranberry simple syrup, bourbon, bitters ( you can use classic aromatic bitters or I absolutely love these cardamom bitters!) and stir together with some ice. Garnish with some orange peel and a sprig of rosemary and enjoy!
If you like this Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider
If you make this Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients
For the cranberry simple syrup
- 1 12 oz bag cranberries
- 1½ cup water
- 1 cup sugar
For a single cocktail
- ½ oz cranberry simple syrup
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2-3 dashes aromatic or cardamom bitters
- ice
For a pitcher of cranberry old fashioned (8 servings)
- 1/2 cup cranberry simple syrup
- 2 cups bourbon
- 16 dashes angostura or cardamom bitters
- ice
Instructions
For the cranberry simple syrup
- Combine water, sugar and cranberries in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until sugar is fully dissolved and cranberries have popped and softened.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Transfer the syrup into glass containers and allow to cool before serving.
For a single cocktail
- Combine the cranberry simple syrup, bourbon, bitters and ice in a glass and stir to combine. Garnish with rosemary and orange peel as desired.
For a pitcher
- Combine the cranberry simple syrup, bourbon, bitters and ice in a glass and stir to combine. Divide between 8 glasses with ice and garnish with an orange peel and rosemary if desired.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Dawn Conklin says
This is the perfect holiday cocktail, delicious and festive! I can’t wait to serve it with the turkey on Thanksgiving.
Rosanna Rosanna says
Love this, making the cranberry syrup makes all the difference and it’s the perfect festive winter drink
Addie says
Such a fun and festive drink!
Andrea White says
yum! Love how simple this is!
Linda says
This cocktail is surprisingly so refreshing and smooth!
Freya Freya says
I love and old fashioned and you just turned an old fashioned into a new fashioned! I loved the cranberry flavour, it worked perfectly!
Michaela Graham says
This cocktail sounds lush, I will defo be making this over the holidays it will go down a treat 🙂
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I love the little history bit, too. And you are right; a classic cocktail is perfect for holidays (and every day in between – well, at least a few times, perhaps!)
nancy says
nice holiday spin on this old fashion cocktail!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing cranberry cocktail recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Sondra Barker says
I absolutely love the color! This drink is perfect for the holidays!
Liz says
This cocktail looks delicious! I love the color too! Excited to give it a try during the holidays!
Tina says
Oh what a perfect drink to serve during the holidays! I’ll be making this for my guests. Can’t wait!