Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

A Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is the ultimate Thanksgiving cocktail—tart, citrusy, and full of cozy whiskey warmth. It shakes up quickly, looks festive in the glass, and tastes like the holidays in every sip.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour shines as a festive Thanksgiving cocktail that’s both easy and stunning. The tart cranberry simple syrup balances beautifully with fresh orange and lemon juices, while the whiskey adds a smooth, warming note. The flavors create a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy with just enough bite to keep every sip exciting.

You’ll also love how quick it is to prepare. With a simple homemade cranberry syrup and just a few ingredients, you can shake up a fresh cocktail in minutes. The bright color makes it gorgeous for your holiday table, and the garnish options—orange slices, sugared cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary—make it look effortlessly elegant.

Best of all, this recipe can easily be scaled up and batched ahead, so your guests can pour and sip without waiting. It’s festive, flavorful, and a wonderful way to toast the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything for one serving:

• 2 ounces cranberry simple syrup
• 2 ounces fresh orange juice
• 1 ½ ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• Ice

Optional garnishes: orange slice, sugared cranberries, rosemary sprig.

Choose bourbon for a smoother, sweeter finish or rye whiskey for a spicier kick. Both work beautifully, so it depends on your taste.

How to Make a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Make the Cranberry Simple Syrup

Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup cranberries in a small saucepan. Simmer until the berries burst and the sugar dissolves, about 10 minutes. For extra flavor, add orange peel or cinnamon sticks. Cool the mixture, strain, and refrigerate. The syrup keeps for up to one week.

Step 2 – Mix the Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in cranberry simple syrup, fresh orange juice, whiskey, and lemon juice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold.

Step 3 – Garnish and Serve

Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice, a few sugared cranberries, or a rosemary sprig. Each adds a festive touch and extra aroma.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Make the cranberry syrup ahead to save time, especially if you’re hosting. You can also chill your serving glasses for a frosty finish. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup, or use lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper bite.

If you prefer, swap in blood orange juice for a deeper color and flavor. Bourbon creates a round, smooth profile, while rye gives more spice and depth—try both to see which you like best. For a non-alcoholic mocktail, replace the whiskey with sparkling water or ginger ale for a fun, fizzy alternative.

Serving Ideas for Thanksgiving

This cocktail pairs perfectly with savory bites like cranberry cream cheese crescent bites for easy holiday appetizers. It also complements cheese boards, roasted nuts, and lighter seasonal entrees. The tart-sweet balance works well alongside rich Thanksgiving favorites, cutting through heavier dishes with bright citrus and berry notes.

It’s a beautiful welcome drink for guests and keeps the holiday mood light and cheerful. Serve it while everyone gathers around the table or during dessert with salted maple pecan pie bars – sweet and cozy for Thanksgiving.

Related Recipes to Try

• Cranberry cream cheese crescent bites for easy holiday appetizers
• Festive black magic jello shots for your Halloween cocktail lineup
• Poisoned apple cider – a spooky twist on classic fall drinks
• Witches’ potion punch – a party-perfect Halloween drink
• Christmas salmon with pomegranate orange glaze
• Salted maple pecan pie bars – sweet and cozy for Thanksgiving

Conclusion

A Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is the kind of cocktail that feels made for Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and simple enough to mix while chatting in the kitchen. The balance of tart cranberries, citrusy orange, and smooth whiskey makes it both refreshing and comforting.

Try batching it ahead, experiment with different citrus twists, and make it your own holiday tradition. However you serve it, this drink is sure to bring cheer to your table. You can also find more cozy ideas and seasonal inspiration on my Pinterest boards.

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