Irresistible Cranberry Bourbon Smash Recipe with Fresh Herbs

The first sip of this Cranberry Bourbon Smash feels like the holidays wrapped up in a glass. The tartness of cranberry, the warmth of bourbon, and the aromatic touch of fresh rosemary create a flavor combo that’s both festive and refreshingly unique. I first tried a version of this cocktail at a holiday party, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since to make it even better. This recipe is easy enough for cocktail beginners, but it looks and tastes like something you’d find at a trendy craft bar. Trust me, this Cranberry Bourbon Smash will steal the show at any gathering!

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party, celebrating with friends, or just treating yourself to a special drink on a chilly evening, this cocktail is a must-try. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors, enhanced by the herbal notes of fresh rosemary. And the best part? You can make it in just minutes with simple ingredients you might already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for when you need a stylish drink but don’t want to spend hours crafting cocktails.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like cranberry juice and bourbon. No need to hunt down exotic mixers!
• Festive & Impressive: Ideal for holiday parties or cozy nights in. The fresh rosemary garnish adds a sophisticated touch.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or booze level to fit your taste buds.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The marriage of tangy cranberry and smooth bourbon with a hint of rosemary is utterly delicious.

What makes this cocktail stand out is the addition of fresh rosemary, which elevates the drink’s aroma and adds a layer of complexity to the flavor. It’s not just a drink—it’s a whole experience. Plus, the deep red color is eye-catching enough to make it Instagram-worthy!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Cranberry Bourbon Smash recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients to deliver big flavor. Most of these are pantry staples, but I’ll share a few tips for the best results!

• Bourbon: Your favorite brand works here. I love using a smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Maker’s Mark for this recipe.
• Cranberry Juice: Use 100% cranberry juice for a tart flavor, or opt for a cranberry juice cocktail if you prefer it sweeter.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Adds a wonderful herbal note. Choose fresh, fragrant sprigs for the best flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth. You can substitute simple syrup if you prefer.
• Club Soda: Optional, but it gives a nice fizz and lightens the drink.
• Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling the drink and keeping it refreshing.

If you don’t have club soda, you can use sparkling water or skip it altogether for a stronger drink. And if you’re not a fan of maple syrup, honey works as a great alternative.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy bar setup for this cocktail, which is another reason it’s such a hit. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cocktail Shaker: A standard shaker works best, but a mason jar with a lid can do the trick in a pinch!
• Muddler: For crushing the rosemary to release its oils. If you don’t have one, the back of a wooden spoon works well.
• Jigger: For measuring your liquids. You can use a small measuring cup if needed.
• Strainer: To pour the drink without any bits of rosemary or ice.
• Glassware: A rocks glass or short tumbler is perfect for serving this cocktail.

If you’re using a cocktail shaker, make sure to rinse it immediately after use to avoid sticky residue. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly muddler, a wooden spoon is a great alternative that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Rosemary: Take one fresh rosemary sprig and gently slap it between your hands. This helps release the oils and intensifies the aroma.
2. Muddle the Rosemary: Add the rosemary sprig to your cocktail shaker along with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to crush the rosemary and infuse the syrup with its flavor.
3. Add the Liquids: Pour in 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon, 2 ounces (60 ml) of cranberry juice, and 1 ounce (30 ml) of fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
4. Shake It Up: Fill the shaker with ice, close the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. You want the drink to be ice-cold and well mixed.
5. Strain the Cocktail: Place a strainer over your rocks glass and pour the mixture into the glass. Add fresh ice cubes to the glass.
6. Top with Club Soda: If desired, add a splash of club soda for a fizzy finish.
7. Garnish: Add a fresh rosemary sprig and a few whole cranberries for a festive touch.

Pro tip: If you want to make a big batch for a party, multiply the ingredients and mix everything except the club soda in a large pitcher. Add ice and soda just before serving!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Creating the perfect Cranberry Bourbon Smash doesn’t require bartending skills, but a few simple tricks can elevate your cocktail:

• Don’t skip the muddling: Crushing the rosemary releases its oils, which are key to the herbal flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and rosemary make a noticeable difference in taste compared to bottled juice or dried herbs.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the maple syrup slightly or use cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice.
• Chill your glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for an extra-refreshing drink.
• Experiment with bourbon brands: Each bourbon has its own flavor profile, so try different ones to find your favorite combination.

And here’s a personal tip: I always keep a small stash of fresh rosemary in the fridge during the holiday season. It’s perfect for cocktails and adds a lovely touch to other dishes or even as a garnish for desserts!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this Cranberry Bourbon Smash is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations to suit different occasions and preferences:

• Mocktail Version: Skip the bourbon and use sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.
• Spiced Cranberry Smash: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker for a warm, holiday-inspired twist.
• Summer Version: Swap out the cranberry juice for fresh raspberry puree and garnish with mint instead of rosemary.

If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you can easily make this cocktail vegan or gluten-free. For instance, use agave syrup instead of honey, and double-check your bourbon brand to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

To truly wow your guests, serve this cocktail in a chilled rocks glass with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary as garnish. The vibrant red color and green herb make it perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep ahead for a party, mix the base ingredients and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to serve, add ice and club soda to freshen it up.

If you have leftovers, store the cocktail base (without ice or soda) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to freshen it up with a spritz of soda and a fresh rosemary garnish before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Cranberry Bourbon Smash isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it comes with a few added perks:

• Calories: Approximately 150-175 per serving, depending on the sweetness level.
• Health Benefits: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can support urinary tract health and boost immunity.
• Low Sugar Options: Use pure cranberry juice and skip the maple syrup for a lower-sugar version.
• Dietary Notes: Gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using agave syrup.

As a cocktail lover who’s also health-conscious, I love that this drink offers a touch of indulgence without going overboard. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit while keeping things balanced!

Conclusion

This Irresistible Cranberry Bourbon Smash with Fresh Rosemary is one of my favorite cocktails to make during the holiday season. It’s simple, stunning, and packed with flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own! Add your own twists, try different garnishes, or pair it with your favorite holiday bites. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you—your feedback always inspires me to keep creating! Cheers to delicious moments and happy memories!

FAQs

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes! Whiskey works well as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly. If you prefer a smokier taste, try using rye whiskey.

What kind of rosemary should I use?

Fresh rosemary is ideal for this recipe. Avoid dried rosemary, as it won’t release the same aromatic oils when muddled.

Can I make this cocktail in advance?

Absolutely! Mix the cranberry juice, maple syrup, and bourbon in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice and club soda just before serving.

How do I make it less strong?

Add more club soda or reduce the amount of bourbon to suit your preference. You can also use a splash more cranberry juice for a milder flavor.

What foods pair well with this cocktail?

This Cranberry Bourbon Smash pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like roasted nuts, cheese boards, or holiday favorites like baked brie and stuffed mushrooms.

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