Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash – Festive Winter Bourbon Cocktail
top of page

Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash

A festive bourbon cocktail infused with cranberry, orange, and rosemary. Balanced, citrusy, and perfectly cozy for the holidays.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

A Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash served over crushed ice in a short glass, garnished with a rosemary sprig, orange slice, and fresh cranberries against a dark background.
Ingredients
  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice

  • ¾ oz freshly squeezed orange juice

  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice

  • ½ oz maple syrup

  • 2 dashes Angorstura bitters

  • Garnish: rosemary sprig + orange peel + a few fresh cranberries


Instructions
  1. Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake until chilled and slightly frothy.

  3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

  4. Garnish with rosemary, orange peel, and cranberries.

Notes from the Bar

Sweetness Balance

Maple syrup gives depth without overpowering. For a slightly drier drink, reduce to ¼ oz.


Cranberry Choice

Use 100% pure cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail). It’s tart, clean, and keeps the cocktail balanced.


Bourbon Choice

A high-rye bourbon like Bulleit or Four Roses Small Batch gives a spicier backbone that complements the citrus.


Batch for 6

Combine 12 oz bourbon, 6 oz cranberry juice, 4 oz orange juice, 3 oz lemon juice, and 3 oz maple syrup in a pitcher. Stir well, chill, and pour over ice when serving.

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

until next time, keep the spirit high and the company good,

Kevin & Kate
Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops.png

JOin us in the kitchen

Hi, we're Kevin & Kate! Each week we create a full Date Nite experience that includes restaurant-quality menus, curated cocktails, complete grocery lists & more. Our cocktails are just one piece of our creative pie.  We would love for you to join us in the kitchen and be a part of what we're cooking next.

 

We’re committed to keeping our site ad-free, and it’s the support of our Date Nite subscribers that helps us keep doing the work we love - creating beautiful, intentional content made for real life.

Stories worth Savoring

Our latest blog posts for inspiration, reflections, and recipes.

  • Instagram icon – link to Kevin & Kate’s Instagram profile
  • Facebook icon – link to Kevin & Kate’s Facebook page
  • Spotify icon – curated playlists from Kevin & Kate for Date Nite
  • YouTube icon – watch Kevin & Kate’s videos and tutorials

At Kevin & Kate, we share recipes, cocktails, and home inspiration designed to make every day feel a little more intentional. Date Nite brings connection back to the table — through good food, good drinks, and time well spent together.

Some links on this site may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we only share products we truly love and may earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting our work and our kitchen.

© 2025 Kevin & Kate | All rights reserved

[ Terms of Use | Privacy Policy ]

bottom of page