This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on the classic drink! It combines tart cranberry juice with smooth whiskey, balanced by a splash of lemon for a refreshing zing.
Perfect for brightening up your evening, this drink is easy to mix. I love serving it over ice, and don’t forget a slice of lemon on top for that extra flair—cheers! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: Bourbon gives a sweet flavor, while rye adds a spicy kick. If you’re not a whiskey fan, try swapping for vodka or rum for a different taste.
Cranberry Juice: Use unsweetened juice for a tart drink, or sweetened if you prefer a sweeter taste. You can also use pomegranate juice as an alternative for a unique twist.
Simple Syrup: This sweetener is easy to make at home—just dissolve equal parts sugar in hot water. For a healthier option, try honey or agave syrup instead.
Egg White: This adds frothiness but is optional. If you want a frothy effect without egg, replace it with aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a vegan option.
How Do I Achieve a Frothy Texture in My Cocktail?
The egg white is key for that lovely froth. Dry shaking is essential here—this means shaking the ingredients without ice first to emulsify the egg white. That creates the foam you see on top.
- After the dry shake, add ice and shake again to chill the mixture.
- Strain it into the glass and watch the froth form beautifully on top!
This technique really makes your drink look impressive and adds a nice texture you’ll enjoy.
Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye works well)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Lemon slice or wedge (for garnish)
- Small sprig of pine or rosemary (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe only takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Just a little time to shake and garnish, and you’ll have a refreshing drink ready for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients in a Shaker:
In a shaker, pour the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and the egg white (if you’re using it). This blend is the base of your cocktail, full of delicious flavors!
2. Dry Shake for Frothiness:
First, you need to dry shake the ingredients without ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to get that frothy texture from the egg white. It’s like giving your drink a little workout!
3. Shake with Ice:
Next, add ice to the shaker. Shake again for another 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled. This cools down the drink and blends the flavors perfectly.
4. Strain and Serve:
Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice. This will help keep your drink nice and cold.
5. Garnish and Present:
To make your cocktail look amazing, garnish with a lemon slice, and skewer a few fresh cranberries. You can also add a small sprig of pine or rosemary for a festive touch!
6. Enjoy Your Drink:
Serve immediately and enjoy your Cranberry Whiskey Sour! Take a sip and let the refreshing flavors delight your taste buds.
This cocktail beautifully balances the tartness of cranberry and lemon with the smooth warmth of whiskey, topped with a lovely froth and eye-catching garnishes. Cheers!
Can I Use Different Types of Whiskey?
Absolutely! While bourbon brings a sweet flavor, rye offers a spicier kick. You can also experiment with other whiskies like Canadian or Irish for unique variations!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon Juice?
No worries! You can use store-bought lemon juice as a substitute, but for the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is always recommended. If using store-bought, taste and adjust as it may vary in acidity.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cocktail Mix?
If you have leftover mix (without ice), you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before serving again. Ice, however, should be added fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Omit the Egg White?
Yes! The egg white is optional and primarily used for frothiness. If you prefer to skip it, simply shake the other ingredients with ice and strain. You’ll still have a delicious cocktail without the foam!