Cranberry Citrus Bourbon Smash
A vibrant smash cocktail where tart cranberry and zesty citrus brighten the smooth warmth of bourbon, perfect for a lively evening. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh cranberry juice, fresh orange juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh cranberry juice
- 0.75 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 wedges fresh lemon wedges
- 5 for muddling and garnish fresh cranberries
- as needed crushed ice
- 1 for garnish orange twist
- 1 for garnish mint sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 5 fresh cranberries and 2 lemon wedges into a sturdy mixing glass. Muddle firmly to release juices and flavors.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh cranberry juice, 0.75 oz fresh orange juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the mixture over it.
- Step 5: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an orange twist expressed over the drink and placed on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cranberry Citrus Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Cranberry Citrus Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover cranberry citrus bourbon smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cranberry Citrus Bourbon Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cranberry Citrus Bourbon Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cranberry Citrus Bourbon Smash?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
