Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour: The Ultimate Festive Cocktail for Your Holiday Celebrations

Get ready to infuse your holiday gatherings with a cocktail that’s as vibrant and sparkling as a Christmas celebration itself! As part of this year’s Cranberry Cocktails for Christmas series, we’ve already indulged in the crisp charm of a cranberry gin fizz, the stunning hues of a cranberry blue Christmas cocktail, and the refreshing kick of a pepperminty cranberry martini. Each one has brought its own unique flair to the festive season, setting the stage for more delightful sips.

But today, we’re taking a delightful turn towards warmth and sophistication with a show-stopping concoction: the Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. This isn’t just any drink; it’s a symphony of holiday flavors, meticulously crafted to bring cheer. It’s brimming with the sweet-tart notes of cranberry, the comforting embrace of cinnamon, the smooth kick of whiskey, all crowned with a cloud of frothy perfection, and elegantly garnished with glistening frozen cranberries and a bright lemon wedge. This cocktail promises to be a conversation starter and a true highlight of your festive spread.

Doesn’t that sound like the perfect drink to toast to the most wonderful time of the year?

As a true Christmas enthusiast, my home transforms into a festive wonderland long before December arrives. By early November, string lights twinkle, sparkling ornaments adorn every branch, and the air is perpetually filled with the sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and freshly baked cookies. For me, Christmas isn’t merely a single day; it’s an extended season of joy, anticipation, and connection. It’s about weeks spent baking, sipping warm mulled wine and other hot drinks, and cherishing special moments with family and friends. Nothing brings me more delight than crafting holiday treats and enchanting cocktails that light up faces and create lasting memories for everyone who tries them.

💕 A Heartfelt Thank You to My Taste Testers

I must pause for a moment to extend my sincere gratitude to my incredible taste-testing team: my family, friends, and colleagues. Their unwavering patience and willingness to bravely sample every new experiment I whip up in my kitchen are invaluable. Their feedback, whether it’s a resounding cheer or a constructive critique, plays a crucial role in refining and perfecting the recipes I’m so eager to share with my readers. Thank you for being my unofficial (yet deeply appreciated!) quality control squad—your honesty helps bring these delicious creations to life!

Now, it’s your turn to step into the role of a cocktail maestro! The secret to achieving that coveted, velvety froth on a classic sour cocktail, like our Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour, lies in mastering the art of the dry shake. This technique involves mixing the egg white vigorously with all the other ingredients before adding any ice. This initial shake emulsifies the egg white, creating a dense, stable foam that gives your cocktail a luxuriously silky texture and a stunning visual appeal. Only after this dry shake do you add ice to chill and perfectly dilute the drink. This essential step ensures your cocktail is not just delicious but also incredibly Instagram-worthy.

So, gather your ingredients, dust off your favorite Christmas playlist, and let’s craft some magic in a glass. This Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is destined to become the star of your holiday celebrations, bringing warmth, spice, and sparkle to every toast. Cheers to a season abundant with flavor, joy, and unforgettable moments!

🥘 Ingredients for Your Festive Whiskey Sour

• Whiskey: The backbone of our sour. For a whiskey sour, a bourbon or rye whiskey typically works best due to their inherent sweetness and spice notes.
  • Maker’s Mark: Known for its smooth profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and soft spices, it offers a harmonious blend that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and tartness of cranberries.
  • Bulleit Bourbon: With its higher rye content, Bulleit delivers a spicier, bolder flavor. This is an excellent choice if you wish to accentuate the warm, peppery notes of cinnamon in your cocktail.
  • Woodford Reserve: Offers a complex palate with layers of dried fruit, rich vanilla, and a medley of spices, enhancing the overall festive and sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Four Roses Small Batch: A versatile and well-balanced option, featuring hints of spice, vanilla, and a touch of honey. It complements both the tart cranberry and the warming cinnamon impeccably.
  • Buffalo Trace: A classic choice, offering delightful notes of toffee, vanilla, and subtle baking spices, contributing to a wonderfully rounded cocktail.
  • Jim Beam: An accessible and robust choice, Jim Beam provides a solid, traditional bourbon foundation that stands up well to the other flavors.
  • Selecting Your Whiskey: Don’t be afraid to experiment! A whiskey that is not too smoky and has a good balance of sweetness and spice will shine brightest in this recipe.
• Cranberry Juice: Opt for unsweetened or 100% cranberry juice for a true tart flavor that beautifully contrasts the whiskey and cinnamon. If using sweetened cranberry cocktail, you might want to adjust the amount of added sugar (if any, though this recipe doesn’t explicitly call for simple syrup, relying on the natural sweetness of ingredients and garnish).
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This is non-negotiable for a true whiskey sour! Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the essential brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the whiskey and the sweetness of the cranberry. Bottled lemon juice simply won’t yield the same vibrant flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Just a dash! This tiny addition delivers a powerful punch of holiday warmth, transforming the cocktail from merely delicious to truly festive. Be mindful not to overdo it, as a little goes a long way.
• Orange Bitters: A few dashes of orange bitters add aromatic complexity, subtle citrus notes, and a touch of sophisticated bitterness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. They elevate the cocktail from good to exceptional.
• Egg White: The key to that signature silky, frothy head. It provides a luxurious texture without imparting any flavor. If you’re concerned about raw egg white, you can use pasteurized egg white from a carton or an alternative like aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan option.
• Garnish: Elevate your presentation with frozen cranberries rolled in granulated sugar or edible glitter powder, skewered on a cocktail pike. A slice of lemon adds a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic hint.

For precise quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Crafting Your Perfect Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

Follow these simple steps to create a cocktail that will impress both visually and on the palate:

Step 1: Prepare Your Egg White. Carefully separate the egg, reserving the egg white for your cocktail. Don’t discard the yolk! It’s perfect for enriching baked goods like cookies or cakes. You can save it by freezing it in a small container for future festive creations.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for the Dry Shake. In a cocktail shaker (ensure it’s completely empty and free of ice at this stage), combine the egg white, your chosen whiskey, the vibrant cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a delicate dash of ground cinnamon, and a few drops of aromatic orange bitters. This initial combination is crucial for developing the cocktail’s signature texture.

Step 3: Perform the Dry Shake. Secure the lid tightly on your shaker and dry shake vigorously for about 15-30 seconds. This step is vital to create a stable emulsion with the egg white, resulting in a rich, velvety foam that will sit beautifully atop your cocktail. You should hear a thick, foamy sound rather than liquid sloshing.

Step 4: Chill with Ice. Once you’ve achieved a good foam, add a generous amount of cubed ice to the shaker. Secure the lid again and shake once more, this time for another 15-20 seconds, to thoroughly chill and slightly dilute the mixture. This ensures a perfectly cold and balanced drink.

Step 5: Fine Strain into a Chilled Glass. Fine strain your perfectly mixed cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass. The fine strainer will catch any small ice shards or bits of cinnamon, ensuring a smooth, silky pour and preserving the beautiful frothy head. Take a moment to appreciate the festive aroma that fills the air!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve. For a truly sparkling and enticing garnish, skewer 4-5 frozen cranberries onto a cocktail pick. Roll them gently in granulated sugar or edible glitter powder to give them a frosty, jewel-like appearance. Carefully place this festive pick across the rim of your glass. Add a fresh slice of lemon for a bright pop of color and an aromatic accent. And voilà—your merry Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is ready to sip and savor! This presentation makes it not just a drink, but a festive experience.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Cocktail Success

Having the right tools makes all the difference in crafting a professional-quality cocktail at home:

• Cutting board & sharp knife: For preparing your lemon slice and any other fresh garnishes.
• Measuring tools / Jigger: Precision is key in cocktails for consistent results.
• Cocktail shaker: A Boston shaker or Cobbler shaker will work perfectly for this recipe.
• Fine strainer: Essential for a smooth, pulp-free cocktail and to ensure only the desired foam transfers.
• Cocktail pike: For elegantly presenting your sugared cranberry garnish.
• Cocktail glass: A coupe, Nick & Nora, or even a small rocks glass can be used. Chilling your glass beforehand enhances the drinking experience.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

To ensure your Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is nothing short of perfection, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Fresh is Best: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The bright, zesty flavor is incomparable to bottled alternatives and is crucial for a balanced sour.
• Master the Dry Shake: Don’t skip or rush the dry shake! This is the secret to a rich, stable, and luxurious foam. Shake vigorously without ice first, then add ice for chilling.
• Chill Your Glass: A chilled cocktail glass will keep your drink colder for longer and prevent it from diluting too quickly, preserving its crisp flavors. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: This recipe relies on the natural sweetness of cranberry juice and the garnish. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a small amount (e.g., ¼ oz) of simple syrup along with the other ingredients in the shaker.
• Quality Whiskey Matters: While we offer several excellent suggestions, choose a whiskey you genuinely enjoy drinking. A good base spirit will always result in a better cocktail.
• Garnish with Flair: The sugared cranberries and lemon slice aren’t just for looks; they add aromatic elements that enhance the overall sensory experience. Don’t underestimate their impact!
• Balance is Key: A great whiskey sour is all about balance between sweet, sour, and spirit. Taste a tiny drop from the shaker (before straining) if you’re experimenting with proportions.

🌟 Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and adapt this Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Sweetener Options: If your cranberry juice is particularly tart or you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) or maple syrup to the shaker. Start with ¼ ounce and adjust to taste.
• Spiced Syrup: For an even deeper cinnamon flavor, consider making a quick cinnamon simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a cinnamon stick until dissolved, then cooling.
• Other Spices: A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg or a sliver of fresh ginger can add another layer of festive warmth. Add sparingly!
• No Egg White? No Problem! For those who prefer to avoid raw egg white, or for a vegan option, aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) works as an excellent substitute. Use 1 ounce of aquafaba in place of the egg white for a similar frothy texture.
• Whiskey Alternatives: While whiskey is traditional, you could try this with a good quality aged rum for a slightly different, sweeter profile, or even a gin if you’re a fan of botanical notes.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a delightful mocktail, omit the whiskey and replace it with an additional 1.5-2 oz of cranberry juice or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative. Maintain all other ingredients, especially the egg white for the frothy texture, or aquafaba for a vegan option.

🥂 Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is a versatile cocktail that shines in many holiday settings:

• Pre-Dinner Delight: Serve it as guests arrive to set a sophisticated and festive tone for your holiday party. Its bright flavors are perfect for whetting appetites.
• With Appetizers: It pairs beautifully with savory holiday appetizers like mini quiches, cheese boards with sharp cheddar or goat cheese, spiced nuts, or even prosciutto-wrapped melon.
• Dessert Companion: The cinnamon and cranberry notes make it a surprising yet excellent partner for many holiday desserts, especially those with fruit, spice, or chocolate, such as apple pie, gingerbread, or dark chocolate truffles.
• Cozy Evening Drink: Don’t limit it to parties! This cocktail is also perfect for a quiet, cozy evening by the fire, reflecting on the holiday spirit.

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If you embark on this delicious journey and make our Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and helps others discover these wonderful recipes! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes straight to your inbox, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss your festive masterpiece!

📖 Recipe: Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

Cranberry Whiskey Sour with Cinnamon

Nora

This Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is a holiday showstopper! With the warmth of cinnamon, the tartness of cranberries, and a velvety frothy finish, it’s the perfect drink to toast the season. Topped with sugared cranberries and a slice of lemon, this cocktail is as stunning as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for any festive celebration.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Alcoholic beverage, Cocktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1 Serving

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting board & Sharp knife
• Cocktail shaker
• Fine-strainer
• Cocktail pike
• Cocktail Glass

⛑️ Food Safety Considerations

When preparing any recipe, especially those involving raw ingredients like egg whites, it’s important to keep food safety in mind:

• Egg Safety: While the risk is low, consuming raw eggs carries a slight risk of salmonella. If you are concerned, opt for pasteurized egg whites (available in cartons) or use aquafaba as a vegan alternative. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid raw egg products.
• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for any cooked food.
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat.
• Wash hands thoroughly after touching raw meat or eggs.
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds if any cooking is involved (not applicable for this cocktail, but good general advice).
• Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove (also not directly applicable here, but good general advice for a kitchen).

For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, always refer to trusted resources such as the FDA’s Safe Food Handling guidelines.