The perfect festive twist on a classic cocktail. This Cranberry Whiskey Sour is simple for any home mixologist to make and will impress your guests.
About this cocktail
A classic Whiskey Sour combines whiskey with sugar and citrus, often finished with an egg white for silkiness. The citrus provides the “sour” element while the egg white smooths the texture and adds a creamy foam on top.
This Cranberry Whiskey Sour keeps the same base but adds cranberry juice for a bright, festive flavor and a beautiful seasonal color.
It’s an ideal cocktail for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any winter happy hour. The cranberry and orange notes give it a cozy, celebratory feel.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cranberry Juice – gives the cocktail its festive twist.
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice – used here instead of lemon for a milder, seasonal citrus note.
- Whiskey – bourbon works particularly well for its warm, caramel notes; use your favorite bottle.
- Maple Syrup – provides balanced sweetness and a subtle depth.
- Egg White – creates a silky texture and a frothy top. (Optional if you prefer to omit.)
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1. Add cranberry juice, whiskey, egg white (if using), maple syrup, and freshly squeezed orange juice to a cocktail shaker.
Step 2. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well combined and chilled.
Step 3. Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass and strain the mixture over the ice.
Step 4. Run a slice of the juiced orange around the rim and garnish with an orange peel. For extra holiday flair, add fresh or sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary.
Recipe FAQs
Traditional garnishes include lemon rind, orange slice, maraschino cherries, or a sugared rim. For this cranberry version, whole cranberries and an orange peel work beautifully.
Because the whiskey mixes with other ingredients, you don’t need an ultra-premium bottle. Choose a whiskey that isn’t harsh; bourbon is a great choice for its warm, caramel notes.
A shaker chills and aerates the drink best, especially when using egg white. If you don’t have one, a mason jar with a tight lid or a protein shaker bottle can work in a pinch.
More of our favorite Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes…
- Thanksgiving Margarita
- Apple Pie Cocktail
- Thanksgiving Sangria
- Crown Apple Mixed Drinks
- Champagne Punch with Pomegranates
- Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
- Festive Cranberry Fizz Cocktail
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Cranberry Whiskey Sour
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Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Handheld juicer
- Cutting board and knife
- Jigger
Ingredients
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 1 oz egg white
- 1 slice orange peel, for garnish
- fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
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Add cranberry juice, whiskey, egg white, maple syrup, and freshly squeezed orange juice to a cocktail shaker.
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Shake for 20–30 seconds until well combined and chilled.
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Place a large ice cube in a cocktail glass and strain the mixture over the ice.
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Run the juiced orange slice around the rim and garnish with an orange peel. Add fresh or sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for extra holiday flair.
Nutrition
Calories: 288 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 69 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Sodium: 56 mg |
Potassium: 238 mg |
Sugar: 31 g
Notes
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
Search “A Paige Of Positivity” and find CRANBERRY WHISKEY SOUR for calories and nutrition. For the most accurate results, enter each ingredient into your food diary.
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