This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on a classic drink. It combines the warmth of whiskey with the tartness of fresh cranberries, creating a refreshing blend you won’t forget!
I love how the sweet-tart flavor makes it perfect for any season. Just mix, shake, and pour – it’s as easy as pie! Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again! 🥃🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: Bourbon or rye whiskey works great here. I lean towards bourbon for its smooth sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-ABV option, try a whiskey-infused cocktail syrup or a whiskey-flavored soda for a lighter sip.
Cranberry Juice: Fresh is best for that vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled cranberry juice works as well. Some folks prefer cranberry syrup for a sweeter taste – just adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your preference.
Simple Syrup: Made by mixing equal parts sugar and water, you can easily adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a natural option, consider using honey or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Egg White: This ingredient adds a nice froth. If you’re concerned about using raw egg, you can skip it or use an egg white substitute like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to achieve a similar texture.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Frothy Texture?
Creating the frothy layer in your Cranberry Whiskey Sour is key for presentation and texture. The process involves a “dry shake.” Here’s how to do it:
- First, combine whiskey, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously without ice for about 10 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white, creating a lovely foam.
- Next, add ice and shake again until chilled. This second shake cools your drink without losing that great frothiness.
Remember, keeping a consistent rhythm in your shaking can help ensure the ingredients mix well and create that desirable froth!
Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 oz fresh cranberry juice (or cranberry syrup)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Sprig of pine or evergreen (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cranberry Whiskey Sour takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll be mixing and shaking in no time, making it perfect for a quick and festive cocktail experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Juice:
If you’re using fresh cranberries, start by blending or muddling a handful of them until you have a pulp. Strain this pulp to extract about 1 oz of fresh cranberry juice. If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought cranberry juice or an easy cranberry syrup instead.
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the egg white if you want that lovely froth. It’s like a little magic trick for your drink!
3. Create the Froth:
Now, we’ll dry shake: seal your shaker and shake it vigorously for about 10 seconds without any ice. This step emulsifies the egg white, giving you that nice frothy texture we love in cocktails.
4. Chill It Down:
Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled. You want it cold and refreshing, so let those ice cubes work their magic!
5. Strain and Serve:
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass that’s filled with ice. This way, you’ll enjoy the beautiful color and frothy top right away.
6. Garnish:
For a festive touch, garnish your drink with fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick. Add a small sprig of pine or evergreen to give it that wintery vibe. It not only looks good but will fill your drink with a lovely aroma too!
7. Cheers!
Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Cranberry Whiskey Sour! It’s the perfect toast for any occasion!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Juice Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought cranberry juice works just fine. Keep in mind that it may be sweeter than fresh juice, so you might want to adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste!
How Can I Make This Recipe Without Egg White?
If you’d like to skip the egg white for any reason, that’s perfectly fine! Just omit it from the recipe. Your drink will still be delicious, though it won’t have the frothy texture that the egg white provides.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cranberry Juice?
Any leftover fresh cranberry juice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for future cocktails!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can mix all ingredients (excluding ice) in advance and refrigerate for a few hours. Just give it a good shake with ice before serving to get that chill and froth back!
