These Christmas Bourbon Cocktails are the perfect mix of warmth and cheer! With rich bourbon, festive spices, and a hint of sweetness, they create a cozy holiday vibe.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to sip on something that feels like a hug in a glass? I love serving them at parties—they get everyone in the festive spirit!
They’re super easy to whip up too. Just mix, stir, and enjoy! Add a cinnamon stick for a fancy touch; your guests will think you’re a cocktail wizard!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon: A warm and flavorful spirit, bourbon is essential for this cocktail. If you want a lighter option, try replacing it with a spiced rum. Just note that the flavor will change, but it’ll still be tasty!
Cranberry Syrup: You can make your own by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries, but if you’re short on time, store-bought cranberry juice concentrate works well too. For a healthier twist, consider unsweetened cranberry juice.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Using fresh lemon juice brightens the drink. If you don’t have any, bottled lemon juice can do the trick in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite as fresh.
Club Soda: It adds a nice fizz to the cocktail. If you want something with flavor, try ginger ale or flavored sparkling water.
How Do You Make the Perfect Cranberry Syrup?
Creating cranberry syrup is simple and gives your cocktail a delicious touch. Here’s how to make it:
- Start by combining equal parts water and sugar in a pot with fresh or frozen cranberries—about one cup each works well.
- Simmer on medium heat until the cranberries burst and release their juices, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Once you see the mixture thickening a bit, strain it through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Let the syrup cool before using it in your cocktail.
This syrup not only sweetens your drink but also adds rich cranberry flavor—perfect for the holidays!
Christmas Bourbon Cocktails
Ingredients for Your Festive Drink:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry syrup or cranberry juice concentrate
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
Total Time Needed:
Making these delicious Christmas Bourbon Cocktails will take you about 10-15 minutes. Most of the time is spent mixing the ingredients, and if you choose to make your own cranberry syrup, add another 10-15 minutes for that. Get ready to impress your guests!
Instructions to Create Your Cocktail:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Syrup:
In a small pot, combine equal parts water and sugar with fresh or frozen cranberries—about 1 cup each works well. Simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes). Once ready, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids and let it cool for a bit. You can also use store-bought cranberry juice concentrate if you’re short on time!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of your homemade cranberry syrup (or concentrate), 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. If you like it sweeter, feel free to adjust the simple syrup to your taste.
3. Shake it Up:
Add some ice cubes to the shaker, then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps mix everything well and chill the drink properly.
4. Serve Your Cocktail:
Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the bourbon mixture into the glass, filling it up most of the way.
5. Add Some Fizz:
Top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water for that lovely fizzy finish. It adds a refreshing touch!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
To decorate, skewer a few fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim of your glass. If you want to get fancy, add a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch. Now, it’s ready to be served!
Enjoy the festive flavors of your Christmas Bourbon Cocktail with family and friends! Cheers!
Can I Use Different Types of Bourbon?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different brands or types of bourbon. Each one has unique flavor profiles that can change the cocktail slightly, adding a fun twist to your drink.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice. Just be mindful of the flavor—fresh lemon juice provides a brighter taste, while bottled may be a bit sweeter or less vibrant.
How Long Can I Store Cranberry Syrup?
You can store homemade cranberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a quick stir before using it again to mix the settled ingredients!
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Cocktail?
Definitely! Simply swap out the bourbon for an equal amount of a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative or a mix of extra soda and cranberry juice for a delicious mocktail option!
