November 6, 2020

Unpretentious Cooking: Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail

A holiday cocktail for two

By Justin Burke
When planning a holiday dinner or inviting a few friends or family over for holiday activities, I always plan to have a cocktail ready for guests. This recipe is easy to double or make individually depending on how many people you plan to host. You can also make a large batch and serve in a punch bowl if you desire — just add ice when ready to serve. Make the simple syrup a few days before and store it in the refrigerator. The cranberries are sweet and spicy and balance the acid from the lemon and lime juice. You can also omit the whiskey and make a mocktail cooler adding a splash of ginger ale, a great drink for kids.

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail
Yields 4

Ingredients:
¾ cup cranberry simple syrup (recipe follows)
¾ cup whiskey
½ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup fresh lime juice

Directions

Using a cocktail shaker, add ¾ cups simple syrup, whiskey, and juices. Add a handful of ice, cover, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour into four rocks glasses with fresh ice, then garnish with a orange or lime wedge and a few whole cranberries.

Cranberry Simple Syrup

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
2 cinnamon sticks

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add cranberries, water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cranberries burst; about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the syrup over a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Cool cranberry simple syrup completely before using, or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week days.