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Cozy Maple Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail for Two

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A warm and spicy cocktail made with bourbon, maple syrup, and fresh cranberries, perfect for cozy evenings and date nights. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 10 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces bourbon (recommended: Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 2 ounces pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber)
  • 2 ounces fresh cranberry juice (e.g., Lakewood Organic or Ocean Spray pure)
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • Ice cubes (large, clear cubes preferred)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish)
  • 2 thin slices orange (for garnish)
  • Extra cranberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Muddle the cranberries: Drop about 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries into a cocktail shaker. Add 1/2 ounce of the maple syrup. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press down and twist until the cranberries burst and release their juices (about 30 seconds).
  2. Add the liquids: Pour in the 4 ounces of bourbon, the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of maple syrup, the 2 ounces of cranberry juice, and the 1 ounce of fresh lime juice.
  3. Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker about halfway with ice cubes. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Double-strain into glasses: Place a fine-mesh strainer over each serving glass. Pour the cocktail through the strainer to catch muddled cranberry bits and ice shards.
  5. Add fresh ice: Drop 3 to 4 fresh ice cubes into each glass.
  6. Garnish and serve: Gently slap a rosemary sprig between your palms to release oils, then place it in the glass. Slide a thin orange slice onto the rim, and skewer 2 to 3 fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick to rest across the glass. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use chilled bourbon and cranberry juice. Don’t over-muddle the cranberries to avoid bitterness. Shake vigorously to aerate the drink. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with strong brewed chai tea. The cocktail can be prepped ahead (without ice) and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon cranberry cocktail, bourbon cocktail, cranberry cocktail, maple syrup cocktail, date night cocktail, holiday cocktail, easy cocktail

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/cozy-maple-bourbon-cranberry-cocktail-for-two/