Cocktail recipe

Cranberry Bourbon Smash recipe.

Tart cranberry, bourbon, rosemary, and fizz.

Cocktail recipe 5 mins Mocktail option
I’d like to make a for using
Cranberry Bourbon Smash cocktail image
Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Description

The Bourbon Smash is a classic style of cocktail that dates back to the 19th century — typically a refreshing mix of spirit, fruit, sugar, and herbs. The Cranberry Bourbon Smash gives this formula a festive makeover, making it perfect for Thanksgiving and autumn celebrations. By pairing tart cranberry juice with bourbon’s caramel warmth, adding a hint of orange liqueur and maple syrup, and finishing with fresh rosemary, the drink achieves the ideal balance of sweet, tart, herbal, and rich.

This cocktail feels both seasonal and sophisticated its deep crimson hue looks striking in the glass, while the flavour profile mirrors holiday dishes like cranberry sauce and roasted meats. It’s versatile too: it can be served short and strong, or topped with soda water for a lighter, sparkling version.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Bourbon
  • 45 ml Cranberry Juice
  • 15 ml Orange Liqueur
  • 15 ml Maple syrup (to taste)
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Soda Water to top
  • 1 sprig Rosemary Sprig
  • 1 piece Orange Peel
  • 3 pieces Fresh Cranberries

Equipment needed

Cocktail Shaker Muddler

Instructions

  1. Lightly clap the rosemary sprig and add it to a shaker.
  2. Add bourbon, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, maple syrup, bitters, and ice. Shake briefly.
  3. Strain into a rocks or Collins glass over fresh ice.
  4. Top with soda water if you want a longer, fizzier drink.
  5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, an orange peel, and a few cranberries.

Recommended glassware

Rocks Glass
Rocks Glass (recommended)

A classic short tumbler for drinks served on the rocks.

180–300 ml Compact tumbler for ice-based serves.

Best for: Whiskey on the rocks, Negroni, Old Fashioned, spirits over ice.

Garnish: Ideal for twists, cherries, and clear cubes.

Quick facts

5 mins Medium Approx. 16.7% ABV Cubed ice Mocktail option
Love this recipe? Share it with a friend or save it for later.
Facebook X WhatsApp Pinterest Email

People who liked this recipe also liked

Bourbon Smash
Bourbon Smash

Bourbon Smash is fresh, balanced and more memorable than its simple build suggests, with Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Lemon and Mint giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.

 Maple Old Fashioned
Maple Old Fashioned

A smooth Old Fashioned with rich maple sweetness.

 Highland Heather
Highland Heather

Highland Heather takes a Scottish-inspired direction, with heather honey, whisky warmth and misty herbal depth. It gives the drink a clearer sense of place than a generic modern cocktail.

 Christmas Rum Punch
Christmas Rum Punch

A tropical rum punch with cranberry and spice for the holidays.

More ways to explore

Browse related themes and categories for similar cocktails.

Berry Cocktails Theme Bubbly Cocktails Theme Christmas Theme Citrus Cocktails Theme New Year’s Eve Theme Pink Cocktails Theme Whiskey & Bourbon Cocktails Theme