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Perfect Lighter Maple Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail

Lighter Maple Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail - featured image
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A quick and easy cocktail that balances smoky bourbon, sweet maple syrup, and tart cranberry for a refreshing, lighter holiday drink. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) fresh cranberries, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 ounce (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) unsweetened cranberry juice
  • Ice
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) sparkling water or club soda
  • Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprig or orange peel twist

Instructions

  1. Muddle the cranberries: Add fresh cranberries to a cocktail shaker and gently press with a muddler or wooden spoon until they burst (about 15-20 seconds).
  2. Add bourbon and maple syrup: Pour in 2 ounces bourbon and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Stir briefly to combine.
  3. Add lime juice and cranberry juice: Squeeze in 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice and pour in 2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice.
  4. Shake with ice: Fill shaker halfway with ice, secure lid, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until very cold.
  5. Strain into glass: Fill a lowball glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer (optional) to remove seeds and pulp.
  6. Top with sparkling water: Gently pour 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda over the top and stir once.
  7. Garnish and serve: Add a rosemary sprig and a few whole cranberries, or an orange peel twist. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and increase cranberry juice to 3 ounces and sparkling water to 3 ounces. For a spiced version, muddle a cinnamon stick and cloves with the cranberries. Chill the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for a colder drink.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon cranberry cocktail, lighter cocktail, holiday drink, bourbon cocktail, cranberry cocktail, maple syrup cocktail

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