This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on the classic drink! The bright cranberry adds a lovely zing, while the whiskey brings it all together for a tasty sip.
It’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a quick cocktail boost. I love to enjoy mine while relaxing with friends—it’s easy to make and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: Bourbon is a sweet option, while rye adds a spicy kick. If you prefer, you can also use a whiskey like Canadian or Irish for a smoother flavor. Just pick what suits your taste best!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is essential for that bright acidity. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Cranberry Syrup: Making your own syrup is great, but you can replace it with cranberry juice concentrate or store-bought syrup if you’re short on time. Adjust sweetness to your preference!
Simple Syrup: This adds sweetness to balance the tart flavors. You can make it at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat or use honey or agave syrup instead if you prefer.
Egg White: For frothiness, the egg white is optional. If you’re wary of using raw egg, you can skip this step or use aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan version!
How Do You Get the Perfect Froth in Your Whiskey Sour?
The secret to that beautiful frothy top starts with the egg white (or aquafaba). Here’s how to achieve it:
- Begin with a dry shake: Combine the whiskey, lemon juice, cranberry syrup, simple syrup, and egg white in your cocktail shaker. Shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds without ice. This helps emulsify the egg white.
- After the dry shake, add ice to the shaker and shake again for an additional 15-20 seconds. This chills your cocktail while keeping that frothy texture.
- When straining into your glass, do it slowly to maintain the frothy layer on top. This will give your drink that beautiful presentation.
Enjoy crafting your Cranberry Whiskey Sour, and feel free to personalize it according to your taste!
How to Make Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz cranberry syrup (or cranberry juice concentrate)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Sprig of pine or rosemary (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cocktail will take about 10 minutes to prepare, including making the cranberry syrup if you choose to do so. It’s a quick process, perfect for when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Syrup (Optional):
If you’re making your own cranberry syrup, start by combining equal parts water and sugar in a small pot. Heat it gently until the sugar dissolves. Then, add fresh or frozen cranberries and let them simmer until soft. Strain the mixture to remove the solids and cool the syrup. If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought cranberry syrup or concentrate instead!
2. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, pour in the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cranberry syrup, simple syrup, and egg white if you choose to include it. The egg white will add a lovely frothiness to your drink!
3. Dry Shake for Froth:
First, shake all the ingredients together without any ice. This is called a dry shake. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This step is crucial for emulsifying the egg white and getting that fluffy texture.
4. Chill and Shake Again:
Now, add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for about 15-20 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled. This will ensure your drink is refreshing and cold!
5. Strain into Glass:
Carefully strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice. You want to keep the froth on top, which looks beautiful!
6. Garnish Your Drink:
For a festive touch, garnish with a skewer of fresh cranberries and a small sprig of pine or rosemary. This adds not just to the presentation but also a lovely aroma.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Cheers! Your bright and festive Cranberry Whiskey Sour is ready to sip. Take a moment to enjoy the vibrant color and delightful aroma before indulging in the delicious flavors!
This cocktail balances the tartness from the cranberries and lemon with the warmth of whiskey, creating a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Syrup?
Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry syrup or cranberry juice concentrate can save you time. Just make sure to adjust the amount of simple syrup in the recipe according to your taste, as some store-bought versions may be sweeter.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg White?
If you’re not comfortable using raw egg white, you can skip it altogether or use aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. Just use about 2 tablespoons for the same frothy effect without the eggs!
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also keep any extra simple syrup in the fridge for up to a month. Just make sure to label them for easy use later!
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh to maintain the frothy texture, you can pre-mix the ingredients (excluding ice and garnishes) and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours. Just give it a good shake with ice right before serving to refresh it!
