you want a drink that hushes the room without killing the mood. the mrs. claus cranberry whiskey cocktail walks in like it paid the electric bill, smells faintly of rosemary, and leaves a cinnamon echo you’ll think about on the drive home.
call it your christmas whiskey cocktail when the lights are soft, the oven’s bragging, and everyone’s circling the kitchen like moths to butter.
why this one works
it’s built like a good holiday—simple bones, generous spirit. tart cranberry keeps the sweetness honest, rosemary adds a woodland whisper, and the whiskey does what whiskey does: warms the ribs and tells better stories than you.
it reads cozy, pours clean, and never clobbers the food.
flavor snapshot
bright berry up front, warm cinnamon in the middle, herbaceous lift on the exhale. choose bourbon for vanilla and caramel comfort, or rye if you like your hugs with elbows.
either way, the glass empties itself and nobody complains.
ingredient intel
- whiskey: pick your lane—bourbon for round edges or rye for pepper and snap.
- cranberry: use 100% unsweetened for real color and bite; it’s the backbone, not the bow.
- syrup and spice: rosemary simple syrup brings the forest indoors; a cinnamon stick is the holiday without the tinsel.
- garnish: sugared cranberries and a frosty rosemary sprig look like december got a raise.
technique, no fuss
chill the glass so the first sip hits cold and clear. load a cocktail shaker with big ice, shake like you mean it, then strain over slow-melt cubes.
it’s the small discipline that makes you look dangerous with a jigger.
variations to try
- sparkle flip: a festive cranberry cocktail with a splash of prosecco or ginger ale when the room needs lift.
- bourbon lane: lean rich and round and you’re basically pouring a bourbon cranberry cocktail that tastes like carols in a leather jacket.
- lighter, brighter: more citrus, a whisper of ginger, and you’ve got a cranberry whiskey cocktail that keeps the berries singing.
- smoky north pole: a peated scotch cameo and a dash of orange bitters turn it into a fireside confession.
- big tree energy: dial up the spice and call it your holiday whiskey cocktail when dinner is loud and plates are shiny.
serving and pairings
salt and fat are the dance partners—baked brie, prosciutto dates, roast turkey, glazed ham, even a dark chocolate slice that thinks it’s the finale. this one doesn’t fight the table; it backs it up like a good bass line.
make-ahead and batching
stir the base in a pitcher, chill it down, and give it a quick wake-up before service.
when the guest list multiplies, batch it, keep the ice fresh, and garnish like you meant to throw this party all year.
faq, quick hits
- can i make this ahead of time? yes—mix, chill, stir before pouring.
- what’s a good zero-proof lane? build the same cranberry and rosemary base, top with bubbles, and nobody feels left out.
- can i swap spirits? vodka will soften the edges and let cranberry drive; gin gets botanical but mind the rosemary.
- how do i scale for a crowd? multiply the base, park it cold, pour over fresh ice, garnish to order.
- what foods play best? salty, smoky, buttery—cheese boards, roasts, and anything glazed.
- how long does rosemary simple syrup last? two weeks in the fridge, if you stop “quality control” spoonfuls.
pro tips from the line
use clear, large cubes so you’re chilling, not watering. crack the cinnamon stick before shaking to wake it up.
smack the rosemary once before it hits the glass—like a polite door knock—so the oils say hello without shouting. and remember: one hard, clean shake beats three lazy ones every night of the week.
mrs. claus cranberry whiskey cocktail
Ingredients
for the mrs. claus cocktail:
- 2 oz whiskey or bourbon
- 4 oz 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1 oz rosemary simple syrup see notes for recipe
- 1 small cinnamon stick or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
ice for shaking
- for the optional garnishes:
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 3-4 sugared cranberries see notes for recipe
Instructions
step 1: prepare the cocktail shaker
- first, chill your cocktail glass by placing it in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
- break the cinnamon stick in half and place it in a cocktail shaker. if using ground cinnamon, add the 1/4 teaspoon directly to the shaker.
step 2: shake the cocktail
- fill the shaker with a generous amount of ice. pour in the whiskey (or bourbon), cranberry juice, and the homemade rosemary simple syrup.
- secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. the outside of the shaker should become very cold and frosted.
step 3: serve and garnish
- strain the cocktail from the shaker into your chilled glass.
- garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and a few homemade sugared cranberries for that perfect festive look.
Notes
- how to make rosemary simple syrup: in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. remove from heat and add 3 fresh rosemary sprigs (about 5 inches long). let the rosemary steep for at least 20-30 minutes for a rich, herbaceous flavor. strain the syrup into a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- how to make sugared cranberries: dip fresh cranberries in a bit of simple syrup or water, then gently roll them in a bowl of granulated sugar until they are fully coated. place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to dry for about an hour.
- choosing your whiskey: for a smoother, sweeter drink with notes of vanilla and caramel, use a good quality bourbon. for a spicier, bolder cocktail with a peppery finish, a rye whiskey is an excellent choice.
- batching for a party (serves 8): to make this for a crowd, combine the following in a large pitcher: 2 cups (16 oz) whiskey, 4 cups (32 oz) cranberry juice, and 1 cup (8 oz) rosemary simple syrup. add a few cinnamon sticks. stir well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. pour over ice in individual glasses.
- non-alcoholic “mrs. claus’s helper” mocktail: for a delicious non-alcoholic version, simply omit the whiskey. shake the cranberry juice, simple syrup, and cinnamon with ice, then top with sparkling water or ginger ale for a festive fizz.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.