Bourbon Cranberry Blitz with Spiced Simple Syrup
Bright bourbon cocktail with spiced vanilla and star anise syrup. Easy recipe, make-ahead tips, and a no-alcohol option.
Elevate any celebration with our Bourbon Cranberry Blitz - a cocktail that's vibrant and exciting. Perfect for toasting to new beginnings, this exquisite blend of bold bourbon and tart cranberry creates a symphony of flavors to dazzle your taste buds.
- Make a 1:1 spiced simple syrup with star anise and vanilla, then cool before using.
- Shake bourbon, cranberry, lemon, and spiced syrup with ice; serve over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- You can batch the drink, keep the syrup refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or make a tasty mocktail swap.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
For the Spiced Simple Syrup
Add sugar and water to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add in star anise pieces and vanilla extract and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool completely before adding to cocktail.
For The Cocktail
Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
Pour bourbon, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice and spiced simple syrup into the cocktail shaker.
Shake vigorously.
Fill a rocks glass with ice, we recommend an ice sphere or other large cut of ice.
Pour the drink over the ice.
Garnish with a slice of orange, a sprig of rosemary, and cranberries and enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the spiced simple syrup?
Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 to 2 pieces of star anise and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract while warm. Let the mixture cool completely, strain out solids, then store in a sealed container in the fridge.
How long does the spiced syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, the syrup stays good for about 10 to 14 days. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Discard if it develops off smells, cloudiness, or mold.
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Yes. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings and mix the bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and spiced syrup in a pitcher. Keep it chilled and pour over ice or a large ice sphere just before serving. For best texture, do not pre-dilute with ice; shake or stir individual servings if possible.
What can I use instead of star anise or vanilla?
If you do not have star anise, use a cinnamon stick or a couple of whole cloves for warm spice notes. For vanilla, a split vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract will work. Adjust quantities to taste since spices vary in strength.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Bourbon Cranberry Blitz?
Yes. Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic bourbon-style spirit, or use 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice plus 1 oz cold brewed black tea or a splash of smoked tea to add depth. Keep the lemon and spiced syrup and serve over large ice with the same garnishes.
Which cranberry juice should I use?
Use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice for bright tartness and to control sweetness. If you use a sweetened cocktail cranberry juice, cut back on the spiced syrup to avoid an overly sweet drink.
Any tips for serving and garnishes?
Serve in a rocks glass over a large cube or sphere to slow dilution. Garnish with an orange slice for citrus aroma, a sprig of rosemary for herbal notes, and a few cranberries for color. Warm the rosemary slightly to release oils before adding it.
How do I make the spiced simple syrup?
Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 to 2 pieces of star anise and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract while warm. Let the mixture cool completely, strain out solids, then store in a sealed container in the fridge.
How long does the spiced syrup keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, the syrup stays good for about 10 to 14 days. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Discard if it develops off smells, cloudiness, or mold.
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Yes. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings and mix the bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and spiced syrup in a pitcher. Keep it chilled and pour over ice or a large ice sphere just before serving. For best texture, do not pre-dilute with ice; shake or stir individual servings if possible.
What can I use instead of star anise or vanilla?
If you do not have star anise, use a cinnamon stick or a couple of whole cloves for warm spice notes. For vanilla, a split vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract will work. Adjust quantities to taste since spices vary in strength.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Bourbon Cranberry Blitz?
Yes. Swap the bourbon for a non-alcoholic bourbon-style spirit, or use 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice plus 1 oz cold brewed black tea or a splash of smoked tea to add depth. Keep the lemon and spiced syrup and serve over large ice with the same garnishes.
Which cranberry juice should I use?
Use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice for bright tartness and to control sweetness. If you use a sweetened cocktail cranberry juice, cut back on the spiced syrup to avoid an overly sweet drink.
Any tips for serving and garnishes?
Serve in a rocks glass over a large cube or sphere to slow dilution. Garnish with an orange slice for citrus aroma, a sprig of rosemary for herbal notes, and a few cranberries for color. Warm the rosemary slightly to release oils before adding it.
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