20-Minute Cranberry Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail
A festive twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail featuring homemade cranberry vanilla simple syrup. The tart cranberries balance beautifully with warm vanilla and bourbon, creating a sophisticated drink perfect for holiday entertaining or cozy winter evenings. The vibrant ruby color and seasonal flavors make this cocktail a standout choice for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces bourbon whiskey, favoriterye whiskey1:1alcoholadds gluten
similar spice profile
- 1 ounce cranberry simple syrup, homemade
- 3 shakes Angostura bitters
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extractvanilla extract1:1flavor
slightly less intense vanilla flavor
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- 1
Bring water, sugar and cranberries to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan
- 2
Cook for 5 minutes once boiling
- 3
Strain the mixture
- 4
Add vanilla bean paste or extract and stir
- 5
Cool completely before serving
- 6
Stir together bourbon, cranberry-vanilla simple syrup, and bitters in a highball glass with ice
Tips
Make the cranberry syrup ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to one week for easy cocktail preparation.
Use a muddler to gently press the cranberries while cooking to extract more flavor and color from the fruit.
Good to Know
Store cranberry syrup in refrigerator for up to 1 week in sealed container
Make cranberry syrup up to 1 week ahead and store refrigerated
Serve immediately in highball glass over ice, garnish with fresh cranberries if desired
Common Mistakes
Cool syrup completely before using to avoid melting ice too quickly
Strain syrup thoroughly to remove all cranberry solids for smooth texture
Substitutions
similar spice profile
FAQ
Can I make this without the homemade syrup?
Yes, you can substitute with store-bought cranberry juice mixed with simple syrup, though the flavor will be less intense and the color lighter.
How long does the cranberry syrup keep?
The homemade cranberry vanilla syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week in a sealed container.
Can I make this cocktail in larger batches?
Yes, multiply the cocktail ingredients proportionally and mix in a pitcher, then serve over ice in individual glasses.