This thanksgiving cocktail combines the warm notes of bourbon with tart cranberry and bright citrus. It is a simple shaken drink that comes together in a few minutes.
The blend of orange liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters cuts through the richness of a traditional holiday meal. A splash of lemon-lime soda adds a light fizz at the end.
Why this works
- Muddling fresh cranberries at the start releases natural oils and tart juices into the alcohol.
- Double straining the shaken mixture keeps small fruit pieces out of the final drink.
- Topping with soda at the very end preserves the carbonation so the drink stays bubbly.
Ingredients you'll need
- Bourbon: A mid-range bourbon works well here. You can substitute rye whiskey if you prefer a spicier finish.
- Cranberry juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice provides a tart base. If you use a sweetened cranberry blend, you might want to skip the simple syrup.
- Orange liqueur: Cointreau or triple sec are standard choices. They add sweetness and a strong citrus flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice will make the drink taste flat.
- Lemon-lime soda: Sprite or 7Up adds carbonation and a bit of sweetness. Club soda is a good alternative if you want a drier cocktail.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to make it
Step 1: Muddle the fruit
Start by lightly crushing the fresh cranberries in the bottom of your cocktail shaker. This step is optional but adds fresh fruit flavor and a nice color to the drink.
Step 2: Shake the cocktail
Pour the bourbon, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters into the shaker. Add a handful of ice and shake the mixture until the outside of the tin feels very cold.
Step 3: Strain and serve
Fill a short glass with fresh ice. Use a cocktail strainer and a small mesh sieve to pour the drink over the ice, catching any bits of muddled cranberry. Pour the lemon-lime soda over the top.
Serve it with
Serve this drink alongside traditional holiday dishes like a Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe and a side of Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing.
Storage and reheating
You can mix the alcohol and juices up to two days in advance and store the mixture in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake with ice and top with soda just before serving.
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Swap the bourbon for an alcohol-free whiskey alternative or extra cranberry juice, and replace the orange liqueur with a splash of orange juice.
What kind of glass should I use?
A standard rocks glass or lowball glass is ideal for this drink.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Thawed frozen cranberries work well for muddling if you cannot find fresh ones. Keep them frozen if you just want to use them as a garnish.
