Fireside Cranberry Smash Cocktail

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I’m so excited to share my favorite holiday drink with you guys!

The Fireside Cranberry Smash has been my go-to cocktail every Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It’s seriously the perfect mix of tart cranberries and warm bourbon that’ll make you feel all cozy inside.

I want to show you how to make this recipe, plus some awesome food pairings that’ll blow your mind…

Seasonal Thanksgiving Cocktail

The Fireside Cranberry Smash is the perfect holiday sipper that’ll have everyone gathering around for seconds!

This gorgeous ruby-red cocktail combines tart cranberry with warm bourbon and a hint of cinnamon that’ll warm you from the inside out.

It’s basically Thanksgiving in a glass, y’all – smooth, slightly sweet and totally festive with that perfect balance of cozy fireside vibes and holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz cinnamon syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3 dashes aromatic bitters
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle a handful of fresh cranberries (about 5-6) until they’re slightly crushed to release their juices.
2. Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, cinnamon syrup, fresh lemon juice and aromatic bitters to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice (preferably one large cube if you have it).
5. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries, a cinnamon stick and an expressed orange peel.
6. Give it a gentle stir before serving to combine all those amazing flavors!

Prep Times:

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

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 210
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Mastering the Fireside Cranberry Smash is all about balance, technique and timing.

• Fresh ingredients matter: Using fresh cranberries rather than frozen or dried makes a significant difference in flavor profile. The natural tartness of fresh berries creates that perfect contrast against the sweetness of the other components.
• Muddling technique: Don’t over-muddle your cranberries and herbs or you’ll release bitter compounds. Aim for about 4-5 gentle presses to release the essential oils without crushing everything to pulp.
• Temperature control: Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. A properly chilled glass keeps your cocktail at the ideal temperature longer and enhances the drinking experience.
• Ice matters: Use large ice cubes or spheres that melt slowly to prevent dilution. Small ice chips will water down your carefully crafted cocktail too quickly.
• Garnish with purpose: A thoughtful garnish isn’t just decorative but adds aromatic elements. Float a few fresh cranberries and add a sprig of rosemary that’s been lightly singed for that fireside aroma.
• Sweetness balance: Adjust simple syrup quantities based on the natural sweetness of your cranberries. Taste as you go and remember it’s easier to add more sweetener than to fix an overly sweet drink.

Food Pairing Ideas

The Fireside Cranberry Smash calls for nibbles that balance its tart cranberry notes and warm spiced undertones.

These pairings enhance the cocktail‘s complex flavors while creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for gathering around the fire with friends and family.

• Aged Cheese Board: A selection of aged cheddar, smoked gouda and creamy brie served with honey drizzle and crunchy crackers. The savory richness cuts through the cocktail’s acidity.
• Spiced Nuts: Warm walnuts and pecans tossed with rosemary, brown sugar and a hint of cayenne. The sweet-spicy crunch mirrors the cocktail’s warming qualities.
• Cranberry Brie Bites: Puff pastry cups filled with melted brie and topped with cranberry preserves. These one-bite wonders echo the cocktail’s fruity notes.
• Maple Bacon Appetizers: Crispy bacon bits glazed with maple syrup and black pepper. The sweet-savory-smoky combination complements the drink’s depth.
• Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder and sea salt. The bittersweet flavor profile creates a luxurious ending that pairs wonderfully with the cocktail’s fruit-forward character.

Variations To Try

The Fireside Cranberry Smash lends itself to creative adaptations that can highlight seasonal ingredients or cater to different taste preferences.

• Maple Spice Edition: Substitute maple syrup for simple syrup and add a dash of cinnamon for a warming fall flavor profile that complements the cranberry tartness.
• Ginger Kick: Add muddled fresh ginger or a splash of ginger beer for a spicy twist that enhances the drink’s complexity and adds a pleasant heat.
• Herbal Infusion: Incorporate rosemary or thyme by either muddling with the cranberries or using an herb-infused simple syrup to bring aromatic botanical notes to the cocktail.
• Sparkling Smash: Top with prosecco or champagne instead of club soda for an elevated effervescent version perfect for celebrations or holiday gatherings.
• Zero-Proof Version: Skip the bourbon and double the cranberry juice, adding a splash of non-alcoholic bitters to maintain complexity without the alcohol content.
• Berry Medley: Mix cranberries with raspberries, blackberries or blueberries for a multi-dimensional fruit profile that creates beautiful color variations and flavor depth.

Fireside Cranberry Smash

Fireside Cranberry Smash

Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Rating: ★★★★★

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 sprig rosemary
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and cinnamon simple syrup.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Bruise the rosemary sprig by slapping it between your palms, then add to the shaker.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a fresh rosemary sprig.

Nutrition:

Per Serving: 180 calories; 0g fat; 12g carbohydrates; 0g protein

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and preparation methods.