Rosemary Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

This whiskey cocktail is perfect for the holiday season! It’s a delicious cocktail that’s perfect for Christmas or New Year celebrations.

On cold nights, there’s really nothing I love more than the warm flavor of a Christmas bourbon cocktail! I am a huge bourbon fan! I love the hints of caramel flavor and warm spices that you find in bourbon whiskey. Making simple bourbon cocktails is easy, because bourbon is delicious mixed with simple mixers like lemon lime soda or apple cider.

“I batched this for a party, and it worked great! I used 1 750ml bottle of bourbon, a little over 1 jug of cranberry juice, and the full cranberry simple.” – Jocelyn

Since I love bourbon so much, it makes sense that I would come up with some tasty Christmas bourbon cocktails over the years, like this one!

I like to make this Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail for Christmas Eve! In this recipe, I incorporate seasonal flavors by making a brown sugar and cranberry simple syrup, adding cranberry juice, the good stuff (bourbon) and festive garnish! For a little variety, I typically also offer a choice of White Christmas Margarita or Cranberry Martini for my guests.

I have to admit that originally, I set out to make a Christmas Old Fashioned, but I’m pretty happy with how this whiskey drink turned out, especially the vibrant ruby red color! The color so vibrant because this recipe is NOT just your standard cranberry juice cocktail. In this recipe, I make a cranberry infused simple syrup, which is what gives the cocktail it’s bright color.

Check out this comprehensive list from Couple in the Kitchen for more Whiskey Christmas Drinks!

Need more ideas for Christmas cocktails? Check out this list of festive cocktails: 10 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Truly be Thankful For

What Bourbon Should I Use?

If you have a bottle of bourbon on your shelf, then that’s the one you should use for this Christmas bourbon cocktail!

But you do not have to go top shelf. I really love to use smooth and sweet bourbons like Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark.

As an added bonuses, these sweeter bourbons pair so well with sweetened seasonal garnishes like sugared cranberries, bourbon cherries or candied orange slices.

Recipe Substitutions

There are several substitutions you can make and still maintain the holiday flavors of this recipe:

• You can substitute dark rum rye whiskey for bourbon in this delicious drink. cocktail recipe. If you’re looking for a more neutral flavor, just substitute vodka. Tequila is also an option!
• Substitute pomegranate arils for the frozen cranberries and pomegranate juice for cranberry juice. I really love the bright flavor of pomegranate in this drink!
• Substitute white sugar for brown sugar in the syrup. You could also try using honey, but heat it very gently over low heat.
• Instead of cranberry juice, try pineapple juice for a fruity twist and tart flavor.

Recipe Additions

• As an added bonus, this delicious holiday cocktail can be modified for your tastes. Here are a few suggestions!
• This is delicious with a splash of fresh orange juice, ginger beer, ginger ale lime juice or lemon juice.
• Make it fizzy with a splash of club soda in each glass.
• Add a cinnamon stick to the simple syrup for the entire cook time.
• Add one half of a rosemary sprig to the simple syrup in the last 2 minutes of cook time.

Christmas Bourbon Cocktail – Garnish Options

Add extra holiday spirit with super festive garnish! Here are a few suggestions to have at your Christmas party:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Orange peel or lemon peels
• Fresh cranberries, sugared cranberries or frozen cranberries
• Rosemary sprigs
• Fresh orange slice or fresh lemon slices
• Star anise
• Pomegranate seeds (arils)
• Lime wedge
• Fresh berries

I think this beautiful cocktail is perfect for a holiday party! Consider serving it alongside my festive Charcuterie Wreath or Charcuterie Tree. Add Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip and Cranberry Meatballs.

Need another great idea for cocktails this Christmas Season? Try my Mulled Red Wine Cider | Apple Cider Sangria | Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch