This Cranberry Old Fashioned puts a delicious spin on a classic cocktail! Homemade cranberry-orange simple syrup is easy to make and adds a beautiful flavor that is balanced with the spice of bourbon.

Two cranberry old fashioneds on a tray, with orange peel in glass and cocktail picks with cranberries.

I love a classic cocktail! They are usually simple to make, with well-rounded flavors. The Old Fashioned is believed to be the world's oldest cocktail! Which makes it pretty amazing, but also, isn't it time to be freshened up? This Cranberry Old Fashioned is a wonderful twist, and makes for the perfect winter drink!

Saucepan with cranberries, orange peel, water, and granulated sugar.

5-Minute Cranberry Simple Syrup

The most difficult part of this cocktail is making the simple syrup. But good news! It's actually not difficult at all!

There are 4 simple ingredients: Equal parts of water, granulated sugar, 2 cups of cranberries, and the peel of an orange.

Toss all of the ingredients into a small saucepan and turn your stove to medium heat.

Soon the water will begin to boil. Let it boil for a few minutes and you will begin to hear the cranberries pop. This is the fun part! It almost sounds like popcorn. After about 30 seconds of popping, turn off the burner and let the syrup cool.

Strain the syrup and it is ready to use! It is has such a beautiful red color!

For more information on simple syrups, check out this Microwave Simple Syrup and the Brown Sugar Simple Syrup posts!

Cranberry simple syrup being poured through a strainer into a mug.

How to Make a Cranberry Old Fashioned

Old Fashioneds are simple! They are made directly in the glass, so no shaking is involved! And it takes just three easy steps!

Add the simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.
Add ice and bourbon. If you want to appear sophisticated, use a large square ice block. I make mine with a silicone tray.
Gently stir.

This cocktail has a refreshing sweetness, captivating tartness, and just the right amount of warmth! Enjoy it at your next holiday party, or when having a quiet night at home!

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Two cranberry old fashioned cocktails in rocks glasses, garnished with cranberries.

Recipe

Cranberry Old Fashioned

Recipe by: Erin Gierhart

A classic cocktail gets a refreshing update, with tart cranberries and a balanced sweetness!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 2-3 teaspoons (2-3 teaspoons) cranberry simple syrup
▢ 2-3 dashes (2-3 dashes) bitters
▢ 2 ounces (56.7 g) bourbon
▢ Ice

Instructions

Add cranberry simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.
Place an ice sphere in the glass.
Pour bourbon over the top of the ice.
Stir well.
Garnish with an orange peel and cranberries.

Notes

Cranberry Simple Syrup:
½ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups cranberries
Peel of 1 orange

In a small saucepan, bring ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the cranberries begin popping, then remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, then strain. Yield: About ⅔ cup syrup

Nutrition

The nutritional facts provided are only estimates. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Tried this recipe?Leave a review! We love hearing your feedback!

Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe