Blueberry Whiskey with Cranberry

Say hello to our Cranberry Blueberry Whiskey Cocktail.

A good holiday cocktail adds a certain air of celebratory feel-good to festivities, which is true for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations.

So here’s the deal, we have created this cocktail with particular tastes in mind.

Grab the recipe down below. Cheers!

Cranberry Blueberry Whiskey Cocktail

When I think of the year-end holidays, I think of good times and great food. But there are also certain flavors I look forward to tasting and enjoying because they are part of the holiday season’s traditional flavors.

A good holiday cocktail, in my opinion, should also reflect traditional flavors, in this case, I made a homemade simple syrup using whole cranberries and blueberries.

I started just using the cranberries, but I had some blueberries in the fridge that I needed to use, so I figured, why not? It was a good choice.

What You Will Need To Make Our Cranberry Blueberry Whiskey Cocktail:

Bourbon Whiskey. For this holiday cocktail, I am using a good bourbon whiskey. I love the smoky caramel notes of a good bourbon whiskey. I also like how well the bourbon pairs effortlessly with the cranberry blueberry simple syrup and ginger beer.

Cranberry & Blueberry Simple Syrup. I love making homemade simple syrups, mainly because I enjoy the process of making ingredients to use in my home bar. Simple syrup is something that takes minimal effort but can deliver big flavor. And simple syrup is extremely versatile and can be customized to include a wide variety of flavors. I used blueberries and cranberries for this simple syrup recipe and a pinch of ground ginger and clove.

Spiced Ginger Beer. When using ginger beer in most drinks, I prefer more intense spiced ginger beer varieties. The ones that will make you sit up and pay attention. In this cocktail, the spicier ginger beer cuts through the tartness of the cranberry juice.

Citrus Bitters. Bitters add depth of flavor and complexity; bitters also balance a good cocktail keeping the sweet and not-so-sweet elements in harmony.

Ginger. Clove. To make this cocktail into something perfect for the holidays, I added a pinch of ground ginger and ground clove.

Lemons & Orange Slices. Aside from the comely visual aspects of adding orange and lemon slices to a cocktail, they also contribute to flavor and presentation. Want to make this cocktail more dynamic? Cut an orange or lemon slice in half and run it along the rim of the serving glass to add even more citrus flavor.

Cranberry Blueberry Whiskey Cocktail

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces whiskey
1 tablespoon of cranberry blueberry homemade berry syrup
2 dashes citrus angostura bitters
a pinch of ground ginger
a pinch of ground cloves
top with spiced ginger beer and a 1/2 tablespoon of the cranberry and blueberry simple berry syrup

Directions:

This cocktail is built directly in a serving glass.
Spoon the cranberry blueberry homemade berry syrup into a serving glass, add large block ice cubes.
Add whiskey and two dashes of citrus angostura citrus bitters.
Pinch of ground ginger and a pinch of ground cloves, optional.
Using a long-handled bar spoon, and continuously stir for 30 seconds.
Top cocktail with spiced ginger beer and a half-tablespoon of the fruit from the cranberry blueberry homemade berry syrup.
Garnish with slices of orange and lemon.
Serve with a straw.

Blueberry Cranberry Homemade Simple Syrup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of distilled water
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 cup of turbinado, demerara, or granulated sugar
1/2 cup ripe blueberries
1/2 cup whole cranberries

Directions:

Place a saucepan over med-high heat.
Add water, cranberry juice, cranberries, and blueberries.
When the water begins to steam, smash the cranberries and blueberries with a fork to release the juice; a potato masher works well.
When the mixture begins to boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a tight-fitting lid.
Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.
Pour the cranberry and blueberry syrup into a Mason-style jar, screw on the lid, and chill in the fridge for an hour. The syrup will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Now that you have the recipe, all you have to do is add the ingredients to your next grocery list. As always, if you have additional questions, drop me a line in the comments section down below!