mrs. claus cranberry whiskey cocktail
a festive christmas whiskey cocktail that's the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. this easy holiday drink combines cranberry juice, your choice of bourbon or rye whiskey, and a homemade rosemary simple syrup for a cozy winter cocktail perfect for any holiday party or a quiet night by the tree.
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.
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