Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

There’s something about the holiday season that calls for a cocktail with a little extra warmth and spice. Our go-to festive cocktail? The Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. This cocktail combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warmth of cinnamon, and the smooth depth of whiskey, creating a drink that’s perfect for cozy nights in or holiday gatherings with friends and family.

Growing up, our family gatherings always had a little festive touch—whether it was Mulled Cider, Spiced Hot Chocolate, or a Sparkling Punch. Now, as an adult, My husband and I wanted to create something that captured that holiday magic in a cocktail form. This Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour does just that; it’s a delicious way to celebrate the season with flavors that remind us of my favorite holiday moments.

Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour vertical image

Table of Contents

About Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sours

The classic whiskey sour has been around since the 19th century, originating as a simple blend of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. This timeless combination became popular because it was easy to mix and balanced perfectly between tart and sweet. However, as the years have gone on, bartenders and home mixologists have found endless ways to add their own spin to the classic.

Enter the Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour—a drink that takes a traditional sour to a new holiday-inspired level. Cranberries have been associated with winter and holiday meals for centuries, often a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. The tartness of the cranberry pairs well with the warmth of cinnamon and whiskey, adding both depth and festivity to the classic whiskey sour.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

  • Perfectly Festive: The flavors of cranberry and cinnamon make it ideal for holiday gatherings.
  • Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, it’s a quick way to elevate any evening.
  • Warm and Cozy: Whiskey and cinnamon give it that cozy, fireside appeal.
  • Balanced and Refreshing: Tart cranberry and a hint of citrus make it refreshing, while the whiskey adds smooth richness.

Key Ingredients in Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

  • Cranberry Juice: Provides a tart and tangy base that pairs beautifully with whiskey.
  • Whiskey: Choose your favorite bourbon or whiskey for a rich and warm foundation.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the drink with acidity.
  • Simple Syrup: Adjust the sweetness to your preference with simple syrup.
  • Cinnamon Stick: Infuses the drink with a gentle warmth and seasonal spice.
  • Fresh Cranberries: For garnish, adding visual appeal and a bit of extra tartness.

How to Make Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

  1. In a medium-sized saucepan add cranberries, water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and breakdown releasing their juices and color into the syrup. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
Adding, Water Fresh Cranberries, Orange peel and Sugar to make Cranberry Syrup
Cranberry Syrup is simmer
  1. Once done, remove syrup from heat.

  1. In to a bowl, strain the syrup using a fine mesh strainer, and remove the solids. Let the syrup cool at least 10-15 minutes before using, or make it in advance and store in the refrigerator.
Stain the Cranberry syrup and let it cool down
  1. Add Whiskey, Cranberry Cinnamon Simple Syrup, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice to a cocktail shaker along with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

  1. Serve over ice, and garnish with Cranberries, Cinnamon Stick, Orange Zest, or Fresh mint.
Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour garnish with mint
  1. Enjoy 🙂

Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour cheers

Have It Your Way

  • Make It Non-Alcoholic: For a mocktail version, substitute whiskey with a splash of ginger beer or sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of bitters or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top to enhance the holiday flavors.
  • Try Other Flavors: Substitute cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a slight variation, or add a splash of orange juice for more citrusy notes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~190 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Alcohol Content: Moderate (depends on whiskey proof)

Health Benefits

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberry juice is packed with antioxidants, known for supporting immune health.
  • Low in Calories: When made with a light hand on the simple syrup, this cocktail remains relatively low in calories compared to heavier holiday drinks.
  • Digestive Aid: Cinnamon can aid digestion and balance blood sugar, making it a great addition to cocktails after a meal.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

Berry Berry Life
A festive Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour recipe with tart cranberry, cozy cinnamon, and smooth whiskey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 190 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Slice Orange zest

Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour:

  • 4 Oz Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
  • 3 Oz Cranberry Cinnamon Simple Syrup
  • 2 Oz Lemon juice
  • 1 Oz Orange juice
  • 1 Oz Lime juice
  • Ice cubes & cocktail shaker for mixing

Garnish with:

  • Cranberries
  • Cinnamon Stick
  • Orange Zest
  • Sprig of Mint

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized saucepan add cranberries, water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and breakdown releasing their juices and color into the syrup. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
  • Once done, remove syrup from heat.
  • In to a bowl, strain the syrup using a fine mesh strainer, and remove the solids. Let the syrup cool at least 10-15 minutes before using, or make it in advance and store in the refrigerator.
  • Add Whiskey, Cranberry Cinnamon Simple Syrup, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice to a cocktail shaker along with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
  • Serve over ice, and garnish with Cranberries, Cinnamon Stick, Orange Zest, or Fresh mint.
  • Enjoy 🙂

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Whiskey Selection: A smooth bourbon or rye works great here. Bourbon’s vanilla notes play well with cranberry and cinnamon, while rye adds a bit more spice.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the simple syrup slightly. The cranberry juice’s tartness balances nicely, so feel free to tailor it to your taste.
  • Batch-Friendly: This cocktail is easy to batch for a group. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, and mix in a large pitcher.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1DrinkCalories: 190kcal
Keyword Cocktail, Cranberry, Whiskey Sour
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1 thought on “Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour”

5 from 1 vote

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