When Thanksgiving winds down and the kitchen smells of roasted turkey and citrus peel linger, this Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour feels like a cozy little encore. It’s bright, tart, and cheerful—like the sparkle left in the air after the feast. A sip of this cocktail tastes like laughter at the table and warmth by the fire.
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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
This drink is everything the holidays should be—sweet, tart, and glowing with citrus. The deep red hue from cranberry juice makes it festive, while the smooth whiskey brings warmth to every sip. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels special yet effortless, perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly evening spent with friends.
The flavor balance is what makes it shine: the orange juice softens the tang of cranberry, while lemon adds brightness. It’s a simple blend that delivers both comfort and a little holiday sparkle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make one Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey (bourbon works beautifully for its smooth caramel notes)
- 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice (avoid cranberry cocktail for a cleaner tartness)
- ¾ ounce fresh orange juice
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- Ice
- Optional garnishes: cranberries, orange slice, rosemary sprig
Always use fresh-squeezed citrus. The brightness of lemon and orange makes all the difference here. And if you love deeper, toasty notes, bourbon will be your best choice.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily adjust this cocktail to fit your mood or menu.
Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup for a cozy fall flavor. It gives the drink a natural sweetness and a hint of warmth.
For a stronger cranberry kick, add a little extra juice or muddle fresh cranberries in the shaker. You can also try rye whiskey for a spicier twist.
If you’re serving a crowd, multiply the recipe and chill the mix in a pitcher. Then pour it over ice when guests arrive—it’s a simple trick for effortless entertaining.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
Mix the Base
Add whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake and Strain
Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. You’ll feel the shaker get cold in your hands—that’s how you know it’s ready. Strain the drink into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish and Serve
Add a few cranberries or a slice of orange on top. If you want to get fancy, tuck in a sprig of rosemary. The aroma alone feels like winter mornings and holiday cheer.
Expert Tips for the Best Result
- Use fresh citrus juice—bottled versions just can’t match the bright flavor.
- Taste before serving and adjust the sweetness. If it’s too tart, add a touch more syrup.
- Chill your glass for a minute before pouring. It keeps the drink crisp longer.
- For presentation, garnish with a small orange wheel and floating cranberries. It looks like a holiday postcard in a glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes. Mix all ingredients except the ice and garnishes. Keep it chilled in a covered pitcher for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, shake or stir with ice for that fresh, frothy texture.
What’s the best whiskey to use?
Bourbon is the go-to for this recipe. Its caramel and vanilla tones pair beautifully with the tart cranberry and citrus. However, if you like a drier, spicier sip, try rye whiskey instead.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less simple syrup or skip it entirely if your cranberry juice is sweetened. You can also add more lemon juice for extra tartness—it keeps the cocktail bright and balanced.
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour Recipe Card
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Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour – Festive, Easy, Delicious
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright, tart, and citrusy Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour with smooth bourbon warmth. It tastes festive and cozy, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces whiskey (bourbon recommended)
1 ounce cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
3/4 ounce fresh orange juice
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice
Optional garnishes: cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprig
Instructions
1. Add whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with cranberries, an orange slice, or a rosemary sprig.
Notes
Use fresh citrus juice for the brightest flavor.
Adjust simple syrup to taste for more or less sweetness.
Substitute maple syrup for a cozy fall twist.
For stronger cranberry flavor, increase cranberry juice or muddle fresh cranberries in the shaker.
Batch for a party by multiplying ingredients and serving over ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 153
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
More Such Recipes
If you’re building your Thanksgiving menu, pair this cocktail with cranberry-orange snowball cookies that complement festive drinks for dessert.
Or, serve alongside baked cranberry brie bites to serve with seasonal cocktails for an easy appetizer.
For a full spread, try cranberry and feta pinwheels for a savory holiday appetizer pairing and Christmas salad with oranges and pomegranate for a citrusy festive side.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is more than a cocktail. It’s a little celebration in a glass. The mix of tart cranberry and smooth bourbon tastes like fall settling into winter. It’s quick to make, easy to sip, and guaranteed to make any gathering feel warmer.
So shake one up, share it with someone you love, and toast to another beautiful holiday season.
For more drink inspiration, check out my seasonal ideas on Pinterest or connect with our cozy cooking community on Facebook .