Mrs. Claus Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Mrs. Claus Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

The Mrs. Claus Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a festive, warming drink that balances the rich, caramel notes of bourbon with tart cranberry juice and bright citrus. A fragrant rosemary simple syrup adds herbal depth, while cinnamon, orange peel, and cranberry-rosemary ice cubes make each sip aromatic and visually striking. Perfectly seasonal, it’s a cocktail that’s both cozy and celebratory, ideal for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (59ml) bourbon
• 2 oz (59ml) cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz (15ml) rosemary simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 1/2 oz (15ml) orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Strip of orange peel (for garnish)
• Fresh cranberries (for ice)
• Fresh rosemary (for ice)

For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup (237ml) water
• 1 cup (237g) white sugar
• 1/4 cup (59g) rosemary leaves (about 3-4 sprigs)

Method:

First, make the simple syrup. Combine the water, sugar and rosemary in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the rosemary to infuse in the sugar water for a minute before removing the pan from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool for about a half hour before removing the rosemary. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Next, take an empty ice tray and drop a couple cranberries in each indentation. Add a small sprig of rosemary in each one. Carefully fill the tray with water and place in the freezer until ready to use.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and orange juice to the shaker.

Shake until well incorporated and chilled.

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with the cranberry rosemary ice (for an extra special treat, rim the glass with sugar!)

Garnish with a strip of orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy and happy holidays!