Cranberry Thyme Cocktail

I’m obsessed with finding the perfect holiday cocktail every year, and this Cranberry Thyme Cocktail has totally stolen my heart!

The way the tart cranberry juice mingles with aromatic thyme and smooth gin creates such a festive vibe.

It’s not your basic holiday drink.

When served at gatherings, everyone always asks for the recipe.

There’s actually a secret ingredient that makes this one stand out from all the others.

Festive Gin Mix

This festive gin mix is the perfect holiday sipper that’ll have your tastebuds doing a happy dance!

The tart cranberry cocktail perfectly balances with the earthy thyme and the botanical notes of gin, creating a cocktail that’s both refreshing and sophisticated.

It’s got just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of citrus that makes it impossible to have just one.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz thyme simple syrup
• 1 oz club soda
• Ice cubes
• Fresh thyme sprig for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice and thyme simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass (or over fresh ice in a rocks glass if you prefer).
4. Top with club soda for a bit of fizz and gently stir.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a few cranberries floating on top.
6. Lightly bruise the thyme sprig between your fingers before adding it to release its aromatic oils.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutrional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 175
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Making this seasonal sipper at home is all about the details.

• Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs rather than dried versions for the most vibrant flavor. The aromatics from fresh thyme make a huge difference in the final product.
• Simple syrup ratio: Aim for a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water for your simple syrup to balance the tartness of cranberries without making the drink too sweet. Many home bartenders go too heavy on sugar which masks the beautiful cranberry notes.
• Proper muddling technique: When muddling thyme press gently to release oils without shredding the leaves. Over-muddling herbs can release bitter compounds and leave bits floating in your drink.
• Ice matters: Use large ice cubes for serving to slow dilution and smaller ice for shaking to properly chill and integrate flavors. Regular freezer ice often melts too quickly and waters down your carefully crafted cocktail.
• Garnish with purpose: Toast your thyme garnish briefly with a lighter to release aromatic oils before adding it to the glass. This little extra step creates an amazing sensory experience when someone takes their first sip.

Food Pairing Ideas

The vibrant tartness of cranberry and the earthy notes of thyme in this cocktail create a versatile canvas for food pairings.

These complementary flavors call for bites that can either balance or enhance the drink’s profile, making your cocktail hour that much more memorable.

• Aged Cheese Board: A selection of sharp cheddar, creamy brie and smoky gouda offers rich, fatty notes that beautifully counter the cocktail’s brightness while the salt brings out its fruity character.
• Herb-Roasted Nuts: Warm almonds or walnuts tossed with fresh herbs, sea salt and a touch of maple provide a satisfying crunch that echoes the thyme notes in your glass.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs: Sweet figs wrapped in salty prosciutto deliver an elegant bite where the fruit complements the cranberry while the cured meat adds a savory dimension.
• Cranberry Brie Bites: Puff pastry cups filled with melted brie and topped with cranberry compote create a warm, gooey treat that amplifies the cocktail’s signature flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich, slightly bitter chocolate with notes of orange or sea salt offers a decadent contrast to the bright cocktail, perfect for ending your gathering on a sweet note.

Variations To Try

Experimenting with simple twists on this festive drink can transform it into something entirely new while maintaining its cranberry-thyme essence.

• Sparkling Cranberry Thyme: Replace regular water with sparkling water or prosecco for a bubbly version that’s perfect for celebrations.
• Spiced Cranberry Thyme: Add a cinnamon stick and star anise to the thyme simple syrup for a warming winter flavor profile.
• Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries or blackberries with the cranberries for a more complex fruit flavor and beautiful color gradient.
• Maple Cranberry Thyme: Substitute maple syrup for regular simple syrup to add a rich caramel undertone.
• Citrus Cranberry Thyme: Add orange slices or a splash of grapefruit juice for a bright citrus dimension that complements the tartness of cranberries.
• Zero-Proof Version: Skip the alcohol and double the cranberry juice for a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative everyone can enjoy.

[recipe title=”Cranberry Thyme Cocktail” servings=”1″ preptime=”5 mins” time=”10 mins” rating=”★★★★★” description=”A festive cocktail that combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the aromatic notes of fresh thyme.”]

[recipe-ingredients]

2 oz vodka

3 oz cranberry juice

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz thyme simple syrup

3-4 fresh thyme sprigs

Ice cubes

Cranberries and thyme sprig for garnish

[/recipe-ingredients]

[recipe-directions]

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme.

Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and thyme simple syrup.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

Strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.

Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme.

Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

[/recipe-directions]

[recipe-nutrition]Per Serving: 180 calories; 0g fat; 14g carbohydrates; 0g protein[/recipe-nutrition]

[/recipe]