Cranberry Maraschino Sour: The Ultimate Festive Gin Cocktail for Holiday Entertaining
As our festive cocktail series draws to a close, we’re thrilled to present the grand finale: the enchanting Cranberry Maraschino Sour. This isn’t just another drink; it’s a sophisticated and spirited twist on the beloved classic Whiskey Sour, reimagined with the bright, botanical elegance of Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin. Gone is the warmth of whiskey, replaced by a refreshing floral embrace that perfectly complements the tart burst of cranberry. A delicate whisper of maraschino liqueur and a dash of vibrant orange bitters complete this masterpiece, creating a crisp, lively, and utterly irresistible cocktail. Prepare to elevate your holiday bar game and leave a lasting impression on your guests with this stunning creation.
For me, the holiday season is synonymous with warmth, joy, and the art of celebration. Growing up amidst the rich traditions and hearty flavors of Austria, I developed a deep appreciation for the culinary delights that mark this special time of year. While many holiday drinks lean towards rich, warming spices, this Cranberry Maraschino Sour offers a beautifully tart and refreshing counterpoint, making it a versatile addition to any festive menu. Its vibrant hue and crisp taste provide a delightful contrast, especially when paired with indulgent sweet treats. Imagine serving this gorgeous cocktail alongside rich, velvety Homemade Dark Chocolate Truffles, their melt-in-your-mouth luxury creating a luscious balance. Or perhaps, embrace the festive spirit with snowy Butterball Cookies, their delicate, buttery texture and powdered sugar finish perfectly complementing the cocktail’s bright, citrusy flair. This combination promises a symphony of flavors that will delight every palate.
The Cranberry Maraschino Sour is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to pause, sip, and truly savor the magic of the season. It’s about creating those cherished moments with loved ones, surrounded by good company and exquisite flavors. Here’s to festive moments, unforgettable gatherings, and a cocktail series that has brought joy and inspiration to your holiday entertaining!
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Maraschino Sour
Crafting the perfect Cranberry Maraschino Sour begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating its distinctive vibrant color, balanced tartness, and complex flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is key:
- Cranberry juice: Choose a good quality, unsweetened or low-sugar cranberry juice to control the sweetness of your cocktail. Its natural tartness is fundamental to a sour. The deep red hue also provides the gorgeous color for this festive drink.
- Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin: This is where our sour truly shines. Unlike a traditional whiskey sour, the Flora Adora Gin infuses the cocktail with exquisite floral notes and a subtle sweetness, making it uniquely refreshing. Its botanical complexity elevates the entire experience. If you can’t find Flora Adora, any high-quality gin with a softer, floral profile would be a suitable, though slightly different, alternative.
- Maraschino liqueur: A key ingredient for its distinctive sweet cherry flavor and almond-like undertones. This clear liqueur adds depth and a sophisticated sweetness that beautifully complements the cranberry and gin, balancing the tartness of the lemon. Luxardo Maraschino is a popular and excellent choice.
- Orange bitters: Just a few dashes of orange bitters are essential for adding aromatic complexity and a hint of citrus spice. They tie all the flavors together, adding a subtle layer of bitterness that enhances the overall balance of the cocktail.
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Fresh is non-negotiable! Bottled lemon juice simply won’t deliver the bright, zesty tang needed for a true sour. For tips on getting the most out of your lemons, check our blog post on how much lemon juice is in one lemon.
- Sugar-dusted cranberries on a cocktail skewer: This isn’t just a garnish; it’s a festive statement! These “frosted” cranberries add a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of juicy sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the drink.
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this article.
🍸 Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Cranberry Maraschino Sour
Follow these easy steps to mix a perfect Cranberry Maraschino Sour. The key is in the preparation and the shake!
Now, shake vigorously until perfectly chilled and combined!
🔪 Detailed Instructions
Ready to mix up your own Cranberry Maraschino Sour? Here are the precise steps to create this beautiful and delicious cocktail:
- Step 1: Combine Liquids. Into a cocktail shaker, carefully pour the maraschino liqueur, Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin, three dashes of aromatic orange bitters, the tart cranberry juice, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Ensure all liquids are measured accurately for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Step 2: Add Ice. Fill the cocktail shaker generously with fresh ice cubes. Using plenty of ice is crucial not just for chilling the drink, but also for proper dilution, which softens the alcohol and marries the flavors beautifully.
- Step 3: Shake Vigorously. Secure the lid of the shaker tightly. Hold it with both hands and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want to hear the ice clinking loudly against the shaker walls, indicating that the mixture is becoming thoroughly chilled and well-combined. The outside of the shaker should feel frosty.
- Step 4: Fine Strain. Place a fine-mesh strainer over your chilled cocktail glass. Pour the contents of the shaker through the strainer to catch any small ice shards or pulp, ensuring a silky-smooth texture for your drink. Allow its gorgeous, festive hues to fill the glass.
- Step 5: Prepare Garnish. To create your sparkling garnish, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar onto a small, flat plate. Gently roll a few skewered fresh cranberries in the sugar until they are evenly coated and resemble frosty, glistening jewels. This simple step adds both visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Carefully place the sugar-dusted cranberry skewer across the rim of the cocktail glass. Serve your merry, sparkling Cranberry Maraschino Sour immediately to your delighted guests. Cheers to a truly festive and memorable drink!
🍽 Essential Equipment for Cocktail Success
Having the right tools makes all the difference when crafting cocktails. Here’s the equipment you’ll need for your Cranberry Maraschino Sour, along with a brief explanation of its importance:
- Cutting board & sharp knife: Essential for cleanly slicing your lemons and preparing any other fresh garnishes. A sharp knife ensures precision and safety.
- Lemon squeezer: Critical for extracting maximum fresh juice from your lemons efficiently, without pulp or seeds. Fresh juice is key for a vibrant sour!
- Measuring tools/jigger: Accuracy is paramount in cocktail making. A jigger or precise measuring spoons/cups ensure you get the perfect balance of spirits and mixers.
- Cocktail shaker: A two-piece shaker (Boston shaker) or three-piece shaker is fundamental for thoroughly chilling and blending your ingredients. Shaking not only chills but also slightly dilutes the drink and aerates it.
- Fine strainer: Used in conjunction with your shaker’s built-in strainer or a Hawthorne strainer, a fine strainer catches any small ice chips or fruit pulp, ensuring a perfectly smooth and clear cocktail.
- Cocktail skewer & small plate: For creating and presenting your elegant sugared cranberry garnish. The skewer allows for easy placement and removal, while the plate is for sugar dusting.
💭 Expert Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Maraschino Sour
Adjusting Tartness: Tailor to Your Taste
The beauty of homemade cocktails is the ability to customize. If you find the Cranberry Maraschino Sour too tart or prefer a sweeter profile, here are a few easy tweaks:
- Add a Sweetener: A small amount of simple syrup (a 1:1 sugar and water solution), honey syrup, or even maple syrup can mellow the tartness and introduce a touch of warmth. Start with a quarter ounce, stir, taste, and add more if desired.
- Increase the Maraschino Liqueur: Adding an extra half-ounce of maraschino liqueur will enhance the drink’s inherent sweetness and bring a more pronounced cherry-almond note, beautifully balancing the sour components.
- Choose a Sweeter Cranberry Juice: If you’re using 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, switching to a sweetened cranberry juice blend (like cranberry cocktail) can significantly smooth out the tartness for a mellower flavor profile.
Batching for Parties: Serve a Crowd with Ease
Entertaining a large group? This cocktail can easily be batched! Mix all liquid ingredients (gin, maraschino, cranberry juice, lemon juice, orange bitters) in a large pitcher or bottle ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, simply pour the pre-mixed cocktail into a shaker with ice, shake until chilled, fine strain, and garnish. This significantly reduces prep time during your event, allowing you to enjoy the party!
Perfect Ice for the Perfect Chill
Don’t underestimate the power of good ice. Use fresh, clean ice for shaking. Large, solid ice cubes will dilute slower than crushed ice, allowing for a better chill without over-diluting the drink. For serving, consider a large ice sphere or cube in your glass to keep the cocktail cold without quickly watering it down.
Chilling Your Glassware: The Secret to Longevity
For a truly professional touch, chill your cocktail glasses beforehand. Place them in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes, or fill them with ice water for a few minutes before draining. A chilled glass helps keep your cocktail colder for longer, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
More Cranberry Recipes for You to Try This Season
Cranberries are a quintessential holiday ingredient, offering both tartness and vibrant color to a wide array of dishes and drinks. If you’ve enjoyed the Cranberry Maraschino Sour, you’ll love exploring these other delightful cranberry-infused recipes, perfect for expanding your festive repertoire:
- Cranberry Aperol Spritz: A bubbly, bitter-sweet, and refreshing choice.
- Festive Cranberry Gin and Tonic: A classic with a holiday twist.
- Cranberry Gin Spritz: Light, sparkling, and utterly delicious.
- Cranberry Peppermint Martini: For a minty, spirited holiday kick.
- Cranberry Blue Christmas Cocktail: A unique and visually striking option.
- Cranberry Vodka Spritzer: Simple, effervescent, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Cranberry Gin Fizz: Frothy and bright, a true cocktail classic.
- Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour: A warming, spiced variation for whiskey lovers.
- Prosecco Cosmo: A bubbly take on a sophisticated favorite.
- Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies: A sweet treat balancing tart fruit with creamy chocolate.
- Fall in Love with this Cranberry Bundt Cake: A stunning dessert perfect for any holiday table.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cornflake Cookies: A delightful, crunchy, and chewy cookie option.
If you create this delightful Cranberry Maraschino Sour, or any other recipe from our collection, we’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a comment below. Your feedback means the world to us and helps other home mixologists discover delicious new drinks. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes directly in your inbox. You can also follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your beautiful creations. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors so I don’t miss seeing your fantastic work!
📖 Recipe: Cranberry Maraschino Sour
Cranberry Maraschino Sour
Nora
Save RecipeSaved!
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Cutting board & Sharp knife
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Lemon squeezer
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Measuring tools / Jigger
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Cocktail shaker
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Fine-strainer
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Cocktail skewer & small plate
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Hendricks Flora Adora Gin
- 0.5 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 3 dashes Orange bitters
- 1 oz Cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- Cubed ice for the shaker
- Sugar-dusted cranberries on a cocktail skewer
Instructions
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Pour 0.5 oz Maraschino liqueur, 1.5 oz Hendricks Flora Adora Gin, 3 dashes Orange bitters, 1 oz Cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz Lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.1.5 oz Hendricks Flora Adora Gin, 0.5 oz Maraschino liqueur, 3 dashes Orange bitters, 1 oz Cranberry juice, 0.5 oz Lemon juice
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Add Cubed ice to the shaker.Cubed ice
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Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and beautifully combined.
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Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass, letting its festive hues shine.
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Sprinkle granulated sugar onto a small plate and roll a few skewered cranberries in it. Watch them transform into frosty little jewels, perfect for a holiday garnish.
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Place Sugar-dusted cranberries on a cocktail skewer across the top of the glass and serve this merry, sparkling drink to your guests!Sugar-dusted cranberries on a cocktail skewer
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety Guidelines for Home Bartenders
While mixing cocktails is generally low-risk, maintaining good food safety practices is always important, especially when handling fresh ingredients and serving to guests. Here are some key guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Freshness First: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for juices and garnishes. Inspect fruits for mold or spoilage before use.
- Cleanliness is Key: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing drinks. Ensure all your cocktail equipment (shakers, strainers, jiggers, glasses) are clean and sanitized.
- Handle Ice Properly: Use a scoop or tongs to handle ice, never your bare hands. Store ice in a clean, covered container to prevent contamination. Do not reuse ice from a shaker for serving.
- Ingredient Storage: Store all ingredients, especially perishable ones like fruit juices, at appropriate temperatures. Refrigerate fresh juices immediately after squeezing.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: If you are also preparing food, do not use the same cutting board or knife for raw meats and cocktail garnishes without thoroughly cleaning them in between.
- Glassware Integrity: Check glasses for chips or cracks before serving to prevent accidents.
- Mind the Temperature: Do not leave prepared cocktails or perishable ingredients sitting out at room temperature for extended periods, especially at parties.
- Responsible Serving: Encourage responsible alcohol consumption. Always offer non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or guests who prefer not to drink.
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please refer to reliable sources such as Safe Food Handling – FDA.