Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour

This Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on a classic. Made with a homemade spiced cranberry simple syrup, lemon juice, whiskey and egg whites for that epic foam on top. It’s the perfect tangy-sweet cocktail for the holidays!

If you like whiskey or bourbon drinks you definitely need to try out my Maple Old Fashion or my Harvest Apple Bourbon Cocktail.

Easy Holiday Whiskey Sour Recipe

One of my husbands favorite liquors is whiskey or bourbon. If you’re anything like me you’re going to ask. What’s the difference between whiskey and bourbon? Bourbon is actually a kind of whiskey – bourbon can only be made in the US. Whereas Whiskey can actually be made around the world – the are both made with the same grains.

What is a Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is a mixed drink made with a fresh lemon juice, sugar (usually in the form of a simple syrup), whiskey or bourbon and sometimes a dash of egg white. Think of it as a sour drink with a hint of sweet.

Why You’ll Love this Cocktail

This cocktail is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, here are a few other reasons why you’re going to love this drink.

• The Spiced Simple Syrup: I know it sounds basic but honestly this drink has so much flavor and spice (from star anise to cinnamon) packed into this simple syrup even in just the 5 minutes it cooks.
• Super Easy to Make: Once the simple syrup is made it’s literally only 6 ingredients, shake in a cocktail shaker and pour through a strainer for the ultimate sip.
• Fun Twist off a Classic: This Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour is just a slight tweak off the classic, but honestly you’ll be obsessed with every sip. It’s such a fun twist: from the spices to the tart cranberry juice – it’s a must drink.

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need in order to make this recipe. Please remember there are two components you’ll need to make for this cocktail, the simple syrup (which takes maybe 5-10 minutes) and then the cocktail itself.

Simple Syrup

• Water – do not sub this, use regular water
• Sugar – white granulated sugar is perfect, this is a must when making a simple syrup from scratch
• Cranberries – use fresh or frozen here
• Cinnamon – you’ll need 1 whole stick of cinnamon
• Star Anise – a whole star of anise
• Oange Zest – fresh orange zest for the prefect amount of orange

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe:

This recipe is for a single-serve cocktail. However, you could totally make this for a pitcher. Just multiple by 6 to 8 depending on how many drinks you would like this to serve.

• Bourbon – you’ll need 2 oz. of your favorite bourbon or whiskey
• Lemon Juice – fresh is always best
• Spiced Cranberry Syrup – make sure it is cooled before using
• Cranberry Juice – fresh cranberry juice to
• Orange Bitters – my favorite bitters to use is this Angostura
• Egg Whites – this is totally optional it is not necessary. It adds a fun foam to the top.

Best Whiskey to Use for a Whiskey Sour Recipe

My general opinion when it comes to any mixed drink is: when you are mixing a liquor instead of just sipping it over ice look for a liquor that falls “middle of the line” on price. Not too expensive, but not your two buck chuck. You want something that you’d be ok with drinking neat. Ok, that being said we’ve use High West Distillery, Angels Envy, TX Blended Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Whiskey, Wild Turkey or if you like a smokey Whiskey Sour this Glenfinnich Fire & Cane Whiskey is fun.

How to Make a Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour

Here are the simple steps to make this fun holiday Spice Cranberry Whiskey Sour. First, you’ll make the flavored simple syrup, let it cool slightly and then make the cocktail.

Spiced Cranberry Syrup:

1. To a small saucepan, add water, sugar, fresh cranberries, cinnamon, star anise and orange zest.
2. Give it a quick stir. Bring mixture to a slow boil over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring throughout. Do not let the cranberries burst, as this release pectin and will make your sauce more gelatinous. 
3. Pour mixture through a strainer into a glass jar and refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. 

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour:

1. To a cocktail shaker, add ice, whiskey, lemon juice, spiced cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, orange bitters and egg white. 
2. Secure the top and shake vigorously until the cocktail shaker is frosty on the outside. 
3. Pour through a cocktail strainer into a coupe class. 
4. Top with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprig and orange slice.

Do I have to use egg whites in a Whiskey Sour

No. Egg whites are not a staple in this cocktail. However, I think the egg whites adds a creaminess to the cocktail as well as a fun visible feature and texture.

Can this be made in a pitcher

Yes, this Whiskey Sour can be made ahead of time in a pitcher. However, the egg whites do need to be “activiated” so I would recommend removing the egg whites from the recipe if making a pitcher.

Here’s how to make it in a pitcher: To a large pitcher add 1 1/2 cups of bourbon or whiskey, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, 6 oz of the Spiced Cranberry Syrup, 3 oz. of cranberry juice and 12 dashes of orange bitters. Stir with a spoon. Pour over ice and serve with garnish. (makes 6 servings)

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More Holiday Cocktails You’ll Enjoy

• Cranberry Gin Moscow Mule
• Apple Cider Mimosas
• The Ultimate Holiday Sangria
• Spiked Hot Apple Cider
• White Christmas Margarita

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