Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble Cocktail

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I’m sharing this Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble with you!

It’s my go-to winter cocktail when friends come over because it looks fancy but takes me less than 10 minutes to whip up.

The sweet blackberry liqueur mixed with tart cranberry juice and bourbon is literally the perfect combo.

The sugared rim adds that special touch that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Wait till you hear how easy it is to customize!

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

A few simple tricks can transform your Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble from good to spectacular.

• Quality bourbon matters: Don’t skimp on the main spirit for this cocktail. A mid-range bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes will complement the tartness of cranberries without breaking the bank.
• Fresh cranberries are worth it: While you can use frozen in a pinch, fresh cranberries provide brighter flavor and better texture for both the syrup and garnish.
• Chill your glasses beforehand: Place your serving glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before making the cocktail to maintain that frosty aesthetic and keep your drink colder longer.
• Balance is key: If you find the drink too tart, adjust with a touch more simple syrup rather than reducing the cranberry or lemon components which give this cocktail its character.
• Ice matters: Use large ice cubes or spheres for serving as they melt more slowly and won’t dilute your carefully crafted cocktail.
• Strain properly: Double straining through a fine mesh removes any cranberry bits or ice shards for a silky-smooth texture.
• Garnish thoughtfully: A light dusting of powdered sugar on the cranberry garnish creates that “frosted” look but apply just before serving so it doesn’t dissolve.

Food Pairing Ideas

The Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble‘s rich bourbon warmth, tart cranberry notes and hint of sweetness make it a versatile cocktail for food pairings.

Whether hosting a cocktail party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these complementary bites will enhance the drinking experience and showcase the cocktail’s complex flavor profile.

• Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Dates: These sweet and savory bites offer the perfect contrast to the cocktail’s tartness while the smoky bacon complements the bourbon’s oaky character.
• Aged Cheddar and Fig Jam Crostini: Sharp aged cheddar balances the cocktail’s sweetness while fig jam echoes its fruity notes for a sophisticated pairing.
• Spiced Nuts: Candied pecans or walnuts with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar mirror the warming spice notes in the bourbon while adding a satisfying crunch.
• Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites: These buttery pastries filled with melty brie and tart cranberry sauce create a delicious parallel to the cocktail’s flavor profile.
• Dark Chocolate Truffles: The rich bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the cocktail’s fruity sweetness for an indulgent dessert pairing.
• Rosemary Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread with a hint of herbal rosemary provides a subtle savory note that complements the cocktail’s complexity.

Variations To Try

The classic Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble can evolve with simple tweaks that transform its flavor profile while maintaining its seasonal charm.

• Maple Cranberry Bramble: Substitute maple syrup for simple syrup to add a rich woodsy sweetness that complements the bourbon and cranberry notes.
• Spiced Citrus Bramble: Add a cinnamon stick and star anise to your shaker and include a touch of orange zest for a warming holiday spin.
• Rosemary Infusion: Muddle fresh rosemary in the shaker or use rosemary-infused bourbon to introduce an aromatic herbal dimension to the cocktail.
• Blackberry Blend: Mix fresh blackberries with the cranberries for a deeper berry flavor and gorgeous purple-red hue.
• Zero-Proof Version: Replace bourbon with juniper-forward non-alcoholic spirits and increase the lemon juice slightly for a sophisticated mocktail experience.
• Frozen Slushy Style: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen variation perfect for warmer climates celebrating winter holidays.

Festive Winter Cocktail Instructions

The Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble is winter magic in a glass! This cocktail blends the warming richness of bourbon with tart cranberry and blackberry flavors, all topped with a festive sugared rim that sparkles like fresh snow.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart and boozy that’ll warm you from the inside out while still tasting like a holiday celebration.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz blackberry liqueur
• 3/4 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Fresh blackberries for garnish
• Sugar and crushed freeze-dried cranberries for rim
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of crushed freeze-dried cranberries on a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip in the sugar mixture to create a frosted rim.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, blackberry liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice and simple syrup with a handful of ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty and cold to the touch.
4. Fill your rimmed glass with crushed ice, then strain the cocktail over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and blackberries threaded onto a cocktail pick.
6. Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic and festive touch.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 8 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 245
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Cranberry Bourbon Bramble

Frosted Cranberry Bourbon Bramble

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

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz blackberry liqueur (such as Chambord)
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Fresh blackberries, for garnish
• Sugared cranberries, for garnish
• Rosemary sprig, for garnish
• Ice

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bourbon, blackberry liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with fresh blackberries, sugared cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition:

Per Serving: 220 calories, 0g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 0g protein

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