This festive cocktail brings holiday cheer with a delightful mix of flavors. It features cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a splash of lime—perfect for toasting with friends!
Making this drink is a breeze! I love how it sparkles in the glass, making every sip feel like a celebration. Who knew holiday spirits could be so refreshing? Cheers to that! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: I recommend using bourbon for its smoothness, but rye adds a nice spicy kick. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider using non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives for a similar flavor profile.
Cranberry Liqueur/Syrup: This adds that festive cranberry flavor. If you can’t find liqueur, a mix of cranberry juice and a little honey or simple syrup can work as a substitute.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the cocktail. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can do in a pinch, though fresh is always best for flavor!
Simple Syrup: This sweetens the cocktail without being overpowering. You can easily make it at home by dissolving sugar in equal parts water. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try agave syrup or maple syrup instead.
How Do I Perfectly Mix This Cocktail?
Mixing the perfect cocktail is all about balance and technique! Here’s how to make sure your drink turns out great every time:
- Use a shaker or mixing glass filled with ice to chill your ingredients quickly.
- Stir gently instead of shaking vigorously. This keeps the bubbles from the sparkling water intact.
- When straining into the glass, use fresh ice to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Top with the sparkling water right before serving to maintain its fizziness.
Garnishing with cranberries and rosemary adds a lovely visual touch and a hint of aroma. Plus, it makes your cocktail extra festive!
Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 oz whiskey (rye or bourbon works well)
- 0.75 oz cranberry liqueur or cranberry syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few moments measuring and mixing the ingredients together, followed by a bit of garnishing to make it festive. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixing Glass:
Start by filling a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will help chill the drink and keep it refreshing!
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
Add the whiskey, cranberry liqueur or syrup, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the glass with ice. These ingredients will create the heart of your cocktail.
3. Stir and Chill:
Using a bar spoon or shaker, stir gently or give it a light shake until everything is well combined and chilled. Don’t shake too hard, as you want to keep the drink light and bubbly!
4. Strain into Glass:
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Pouring over new ice prevents your drink from diluting while you enjoy it.
5. Add Sparkling Water:
Top off your cocktail with the sparkling water or club soda. This adds a delightful fizz that makes the drink extra refreshing.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Now for the fun part! Garnish your drink with a skewer loaded with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. For an extra festive touch, you can lightly dust the top with powdered sugar to mimic fresh snow!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail immediately and toast to the holidays! Enjoy the burst of flavors and the festive atmosphere it brings.
This cocktail is a joyful blend of whiskey warmth, tart cranberry sweetness, and a bit of sparkle, perfect for any holiday occasion. Cheers to deliciousness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Alcohol?
Absolutely! While whiskey (rye or bourbon) is recommended for its rich flavor, you can substitute with vodka for a lighter cocktail. Just keep in mind that it will change the drink’s taste profile slightly.
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to mix it fresh. However, you can prepare the base (whiskey, cranberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup) and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep it fizzy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
While cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store any mixed drink in the fridge in an airtight container for a few hours. When ready to drink, add ice and a splash more of sparkling water!
Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the whiskey with iced tea or lemon-lime soda, and use cranberry juice instead of cranberry liqueur. This way, you’ll retain the fabulous flavors while making it alcohol-free!
