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.
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
Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake until chilled and slightly frothy.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
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.
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Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
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