Easy Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
If you like a traditional whiskey sour, then you’ll love my Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour which is perfect for the upcoming holiday season! It’s like a classic whiskey sour with extra flavor from orange juice and fresh cranberries. Plus, I use egg white for the perfect white foam top, which always elevates a classic cocktail. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for the perfect holiday drink for your next happy hour at home. Follow along as I walk you through this easy cocktail recipe.
In my opinion, this cranberry orange whiskey sour is the perfect cocktail from late summer through the winter. It’s fresh, and has the perfect balance of simple ingredients. It’s a festive cocktail perfect for a holiday party – you could even use cinnamon sticks for a festive spin!
The best whiskey to use is the one you will drink. Pick a whiskey that tastes good to you for this cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail.
If you’re looking for more winter flavors (and delicious recipes) during the colder winter months, check out my fried goat cheese balls, mini sausage rolls, sicilian arancini, turkey puff pastry pot pie, creamy sausage pumpkin soup, and tagliatelle al ragu!
And, if you are looking for more fall cocktails, try my cranberry aperol spritzer, pumpkin spice margarita, or pumpkin spice white russians!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A classic with a twist! Love a whiskey sour? Then you’ll love this festive take with cranberry and orange!
- It’s impressive, yet easy! Adding egg white adds a creamy foam to the cocktail which will surprise your guests!
Ingredients
- Bourbon Whiskey – The heart of the cocktail, bourbon brings warmth and a rich, smooth finish that pairs perfectly with the bright citrus and tart cranberry. Choose a quality bourbon you enjoy sipping for the best results.
- Fresh Orange Juice – This fresh juice adds a burst of sweetness and a sunny citrus note that brightens up the drink. Freshly squeezed is always best—it’s worth the extra step!
- Cranberry Juice – Tart and slightly sweet, cranberry juice adds a festive touch and balances the other flavors beautifully. Go for 100% cranberry juice to keep the cocktail vibrant and not overly sweet. If you want a sweeter cocktail, you can use cranberry juice cocktail.
- Simple Syrup – This easy-to-make syrup sweetens the cocktail and helps blend all the flavors together seamlessly. Making it at home is a breeze and lets you control the sweetness level.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds a pop of acidity that elevates the drink and balances out the richer notes. Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Egg White – The secret to a creamy, luxurious texture and that gorgeous frothy top. Dry shaking without ice first emulsifies the egg white for a perfect foam.
- Cranberries and Orange Slices (Garnish) – These garnishes make your cocktail look extra special and hint at the flavors inside. Fresh garnishes not only look great but also enhance the overall experience.
Substitutions and Additions
- Maple Syrup instead of Simple Syrup – Maple syrup is a fantastic swap that adds a warm, rich sweetness with a touch of earthiness, perfect for fall vibes. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor!
- Rye Whiskey instead of Bourbon – For a spicier kick, try rye whiskey. It adds a slightly drier and more peppery note that contrasts nicely with the sweet and tart elements.
- Blood Orange Juice instead of Regular Orange Juice – Blood orange juice brings a deeper color and a slightly more intense citrus flavor, adding a gorgeous hue and a hint of berry-like taste. If you’re a fan of blood orange, you’ll love my blood orange margarita and blood orange martini recipes!
- Bitters – A few dashes of orange or cranberry bitters can add depth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a subtle aromatic twist.
- Ginger – A splash of ginger juice or a bit of muddled fresh ginger adds a spicy zing that pairs well with the citrus and cranberry notes, giving the drink a cozy, warming feel.
Step by Step Instructions
Add the ingredients to your cocktail shaker, starting with your whiskey!
Next, add your fresh orange juice and simple syrup.
Then, add fresh lemon juice and cranberry juice.
Lastly, add 1 egg white.
Dry Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 1 oz cranberry juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until the mixture is well-chilled, about 20 seconds.
Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with fresh cranberries and an orange slice for a festive touch.
Tips and Notes
- Perfecting the Foam – To get the best foam from your egg white, be sure to dry shake vigorously without ice first. This step helps emulsify the egg white and creates a beautiful, frothy texture. If you’re worried about using raw egg whites, you can substitute with pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
- Chill Your Glass – For an extra refreshing cocktail, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. A cold glass keeps your drink colder for longer and prevents the ice from melting too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
- Festive Holiday Bites – Serve this perfect holiday cocktail with an array of small bites for the perfect gathering! Try prosciutto-wrapped dates, marinated mozzarella balls, marinated goat cheese, prosciutto-wrapped figs, or lobster cakes!
- Comforting Side Dishes – This cranberry orange whiskey sour is perfect with an array of side dishes like my roasted maple balsamic brussels sprouts with pancetta, sweet potato cornbread, or creamy leek risotto.
- Cheese Board – A cheese board with sharp cheddar, brie, and blue cheese pairs perfectly with this cocktail. Add some dried fruits, nuts, and crackers to balance the tartness of the drink with creamy and savory bites.
Easy Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Strainer
- Ice
- Glass for serving
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 1 oz cranberry juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice.
Notes
Chill Your Glass: Chill your glass in the freezer before serving to keep your cocktail cold and maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
Delicious and great for fall!