Christmas Old Fashioned

It's hard to ignore the cold weather outside, so cozy up with a good glass of whiskey and make yourself a cocktail! This Cranberry Old Fashioned is a festive twist on a classic cocktail: using raw honey fermented with cranberries in place of sugar. 

The cranberry flavors pair well for a seasonal drink that's not too sweet but good for this time of year. This whiskey cocktail is a welcome way to usher in the holiday season...and maybe some Christmas cheer. 

In the winter months, most folks don't want to drink overly tart cocktails, but this honey old-fashioned is a great choice for those looking for a warm and slightly sweet cocktail during this cold weather. The rye whiskey is a little spicy, and the flavor of raw honey has just enough bite to stand up to it without making it too sweet. With its great color, this drink will also serve as a beautiful centerpiece at your next holiday party or gathering!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Garnish options
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Ingredients

• Cranberry Honey: This recipe blends that classic cocktail by adding cranberry honey syrup. I love how this adds a bit of sweetness and a hint of tartness to the drink. You can make your cranberry honey or use it to replace the traditional sugar cube. (or 1:1 honey syrup of your choice)
• Angostura bitters: I also like adding Angostura bitters to the drink for depth of flavor  
• Good bourbon or whiskey (I love love love Rowan's Creek but use whatever type of whiskey is good for you!)
• fresh cranberries, cherries, or garnish of choice 

Instructions

The cranberry old fashioned is a simple drink, but it can be made in many different ways. 

First things first: get a glass! You'll need one that is chilled, so if you don't have a cocktail shaker, research how to get your glass cold before making this drink.

Next, mix the ingredients for your honey syrup. You'll want to ensure you have equal parts honey and cranberries—you can use any honey you like but make sure it's raw! 

If you want to add a dash of Angostura bitters for extra flavor, go for it! Now you've got your syrup ready to go.

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together! 

First, place some fresh ice in your glass if you need help chilling the drink. Then add the bourbon and top off with water (or not). 

Mix well with a bar spoon or stirrer until everything is combined and chilled enough for your tastes; if you'd like more of an alcoholic kick, up the amount of bourbon in your recipe, or try bourbon for whiskey (but make sure it's not too strong).

Variations

Bourbon lovers rejoice as bourbon whiskey is a great way to dress up this holiday drink.

You can swap the cranberry honey for a basic simple syrup or even make your own brown sugar simple syrup. Maple syrup is also a great sweetener.

Swapper spices in this holiday old-fashioned: add some star anise, whole cloves, or other warm spices to your syrup.

Garnish options

rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, an orange twist, or a cocktail pick with sugared cranberries