My Forking Life

  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
search icon
Homepage link
  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
×
Home » Recipe Index » Cocktails

Published: Sep 16, 2024 by Tanya · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Whiskey Cranberry Cocktail

Jump to Recipe -

When you combine the smooth, smoky flavor of whiskey with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice, you create this tasty cocktail. This cocktail is both bold and refreshing and it never fails to impress.

whiskey cranberry cocktail on board with cranberies around it


 

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

On a recent trip with my hubby, we met a couple who introduced us to this Whiskey Cranberry cocktail. As a person who loves a good Bourbon, served neat, let's just say I wasn't sure how I would like it. Well, I loved it and it's one of my favorite ways to enjoy a whiskey cocktail.

This is the perfect drink for Fall, or anytime you want a nice, cozy, yet refreshing cocktail! Some of my other favorite classic cocktails are the Hennessy Sidecar, Cranberry Moscow Mule, and Bourbon Hot Toddy.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

ingredients for whiskey cranberry on table
  • Whiskey: You can use any whisky of your choosing such as bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey. I tend to use Woodford Reserve in this recipe.
  • Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice adds the sweet and tart taste to this drink while also giving it a vibrant color.
  • Ice: To keep the drink chilled and help mellow out the strong flavors of the whisky.
  • Frozen cranberries: For garnish.

Tools Needed

  • Glass
  • Stirrer or bar spoon
  • Measuring jigger or measuring cup

How To Make Whisky Cranberry Cocktail

First, fill a glass with ice. Add a few frozen cranberries if desired. 

glass with ice and cranberries

Pour the whiskey into the glass.

whiskey being poured into glass

Top with cranberry juice.

cranberry juice being poured into cocktail

Stir gently to combine.

hand stirring whiskey cranberry cocktail

Serve and enjoy.

How to Store

This drink is best enjoyed fresh but if needed you can store it in the fridge. Keep the cocktail in a covered container or pitcher while in the refrigerator with no ice. This helps maintain its freshness. Do not store in the fridge longer than 24 hours.

How to make a Batch Serving of this Whiskey Cranberry Cocktail

To make a batch serving of this cocktail, or to prep beforehand, simply scale the ingredients up while maintaining the same proportions. Do not add ice to the pitcher, but pour over ice when ready to serve.

What types of whiskey work best in this cocktail?

Both bourbon and rye whiskey are popular choices, but you can use any whiskey you prefer. The flavor profile of the whiskey will influence the final taste of the cocktail so it's best to go with the type you enjoy.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cocktail?

Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cranberry juice. For extra sweetness you can try adding a bit of simple syrup or honey to taste.

Can I make this cocktail in advance?

Yes, you can mix the whiskey and cranberry juice ahead of time. However, it’s best to add ice and garnishes just before serving. This keeps the drink fresh and cold.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry juice?

You can use fresh cranberries to make homemade cranberry juice or syrup. This adds a stronger flavor and a touch of freshness to the cocktail.

whiskey cranberry cocktail on board with cranberies around it

I hope you like this whisky cranberry cocktail recipe as much as we do! Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try these out:

  • Irish Coffee
  • Between the Sheets cocktail
  • Hennessy Margarita
  • Paloma

 If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

whiskey cranberry cocktail on board with cranberies around it
Tanya

Whiskey Cranberry Cocktail

No ratings yet
When you combine the smooth, smoky flavor of whiskey with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice, you create this tasty cocktail. This cocktail is both bold and refreshing and it never fails to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Servings: 1 person
Course: Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 194

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces whiskey your choice of bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey
  • 4 ounces cranberry juice adjust to your desired sweetness level
  • Ice
  • Frozen cranberries for garnish

Instructions
 

  1. Fill a glass with ice. Add a few frozen cranberries if desired.
  2. Pour the whiskey into the glass.
  3. Top with cranberry juice.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 51IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

This cocktail can also be garnished with a lime, orange peel, or orange wedge.
Enjoy your simple and refreshing Whiskey and Cranberry!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

More Cocktails

  • ranch water cocktails with lime on top
    Ranch Water Cocktail (Refreshing Drink)
  • whiskey sour in glass with cherry on top
    Whiskey Sour Recipe: A Classic Cocktail
  • champagne glass fill with french 75 cocktails
    French 75 Cocktail: The Elegant Champagne Sipper
  • southside cocktail in glass with mint on side and gin bottle in corner
    Southside Cocktail Recipe (Classic Gin Cocktail)

Spread the Flavor and Share

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

More about me

Popular Recipes

  • Jamaican Oxtails Recipe
  • air fried chicken in air fryer basket
    Air Fryer Fried Chicken
  • brown stew chicken in pan
    Brown Stew Chicken
  • Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella

Holiday Favorites

  • sweet potato pie on a plate
    Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
  • spoon lifting gravy out of gravy dish
    Easy Recipe for Gravy without Drippings
  • creamy baked macaroni and cheese, the best baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese
    Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
  • Stirring the giblet gravy with a spoon.
    Grandma's Giblet Gravy Recipe
as seen on...various online websites text listed

Footer

↑ back to top
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About Tanya

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 My Forking Life

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required