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    Home » Recipes » Beverage Recipes » Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe

    Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe

    Published: Nov 21, 2020 · Modified: Jan 13, 2022 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    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!

    1. Add the simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.
    2. Add ice and bourbon. If you want to appear sophisticated, use a large square ice block. I make mine with a silicone tray.
    3. 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

    • Berry Mint Julep
    • Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread
    • Bourbon Walnut Pecan Pie
    • Peanut Butter & Jelly Cocktail
    Two cranberry old fashioned cocktails in rocks glasses, garnished with cranberries.
    Two cranberry old fashioned cocktails.

    Cranberry Old Fashioned

    Recipe by: Erin
    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 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 210 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2-3 teaspoons cranberry simple syrup
    • 2-3 dashes bitters
    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • Ice
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    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

    Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 84mg | Sugar: 18g | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mark

      November 22, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Old Fashioneds are my favorite cocktail! This looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Erin Gierhart

        November 22, 2020 at 4:43 pm

        Thank you! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply

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    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin, wife, mom, and lover of great food. I've been cooking and baking for over half my life, including 7 years teaching cooking demonstrations. I have even sold baked goods, from homemade bread to wedding cakes! Somewhere between my kitchen disasters and extraordinary creations I learned a few things about what it takes to make a great dish. And I am excited to share those learnings and mouthwatering recipes with you!

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