This bourbon cocktail leans tart, balanced by citrus and a touch of richness from vermouth and syrup. To set it apart, the cranberries can be lightly warmed on the smoker to deepen their flavor before juicing—no harsh smoke notes, just added complexity. It’s festive without being sweet, making it a great option for cold evenings, holiday gatherings, or pairing alongside smoked meats and appetizers.
Unlike heavier bourbon drinks, this one stays crisp and refreshing. The cranberry brings brightness, the lemon sharpens everything up, and the bourbon anchors it with warmth. It works just as well served up as it does over a large cube.
If you don’t have a smoker handy, the drink still shines using straight cranberry juice—but when you do, that extra step adds a subtle edge that makes it feel intentional and elevated.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz vermouth
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water), adjusted to taste
- ice
Instructions
- place fresh cranberries in a shallow pan and warm at low heat (180–200°F) for 30–45 minutes, just until softened. Cool and juice or muddle as needed.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, sweet vermouth, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe, or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with cranberries, a lemon peel, or a rosemary sprig and serve immediately.
