This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a refreshing twist on a classic drink! With tart cranberry juice and smooth whiskey, it’s perfect for any occasion.
When I make this, I love watching the pretty red color mix in with the whiskey. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a drink that looks as good as it tastes? 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: Bourbon gives a sweeter flavor, while rye is spicier. If you prefer a lighter drink, try using a blended whiskey instead. Remember, the choice of whiskey impacts the drink’s overall taste!
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is my go-to because it balances the sweetness from the simple syrup. If you want a sweeter drink, feel free to use juice that’s lightly sweetened or even cranberry cocktail juice. Just adjust the syrup accordingly.
Simple Syrup: This syrup is easy to make by mixing equal parts sugar and water. For a twist, you can use flavored syrups like ginger or even maple syrup for a seasonal touch. You can easily adjust the sweetness level to your liking by adding more or less syrup.
Egg White: Adding egg white creates a frothy top that makes the drink richer. If you’re concerned about using raw egg, you can skip it or use egg white powder as a safe alternative.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Foam in My Cocktail?
Creating a nice froth in a cocktail requires a technique called dry shaking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, combine all your ingredients (including egg white if using) in the shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix everything well and emulsify the egg white.
- Next, add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled, around 15-20 seconds.
This double shake technique is key for a beautifully frothy drink. Don’t skip the first dry shake — that’s where the magic happens!
How to Make a Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and make. If you choose to include the egg white for frothiness, that will add a few extra seconds to the shaking process. You’ll have a delicious cocktail ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, pour in the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and the egg white if you want that lovely frothy texture.
2. Dry Shake First:
Here’s a fun little trick! Dry shake the mixture without any ice for about 15 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white and incorporate air to create that nice foam. It’s like giving your drink a little workout!
3. Chill it Down:
Now, add ice cubes to the shaker. Shake it again — this time with the ice — for about 15 to 20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled. You want it to be frosty and refreshing!
4. Strain and Serve:
Carefully strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. You can use a fine mesh strainer if you want to make sure it’s super smooth.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
To make it pretty, garnish your drink with a skewer of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Not only does it look festive, but it also adds a lovely herbal aroma!
6. Cheers!
Your refreshing Cranberry Whiskey Sour is ready to be enjoyed. Sip it slowly and relish the delightful mix of flavors. Cheers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Juice?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other juices like orange or pomegranate juice to create different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that the sweetness levels may vary, so adjust the simple syrup accordingly.
What If I Don’t Want to Use Egg White?
No problem! If you’re not comfortable using egg white, you can simply skip it. Your cocktail will still taste fantastic, just without the frothy top. You can also substitute it with aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan option.
How Do I Store Leftover Cocktail Mix?
If you have any leftover mixture, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before using again as the ingredients may separate while sitting.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Larger Batches?
Definitely! To make a large batch, just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix in a pitcher and serve over ice. Keep in mind to do the dry shake in smaller batches if you’re using egg white for the froth!
