Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash
This Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash combines smooth bourbon with tart cranberry juice, fresh orange and lemon, maple syrup, and aromatic bitters. It’s a bright, festive cocktail with warm seasonal flavor that’s perfect for fall and holiday entertaining.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Citrus juicer
- Strainer
- Rocks glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until thoroughly chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Gently twist the orange peel over the cocktail to release its citrus oils.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, and the orange peel.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
For a sweeter cocktail: Add a little extra maple syrup to taste.
For the best flavor: Use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice.
Cranberry juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice gives the cocktail a more tart, balanced flavor; if using sweetened cranberry juice, reduce the maple syrup to taste.
For extra rosemary aroma: Gently clap the rosemary sprig between your palms before garnishing to release its oils.
Make it sparkling: Top the finished cocktail with a splash of club soda for a lighter, bubbly version.
For the best flavor: Use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice.
Cranberry juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice gives the cocktail a more tart, balanced flavor; if using sweetened cranberry juice, reduce the maple syrup to taste.
For extra rosemary aroma: Gently clap the rosemary sprig between your palms before garnishing to release its oils.
Make it sparkling: Top the finished cocktail with a splash of club soda for a lighter, bubbly version.