Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour
A cozy twist on the classic whiskey sour with spiced cranberry syrup and a frothy egg white top. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, spiced cranberry syrup 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 195 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 rye whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz spiced cranberry syrup
- 1 egg white
- as needed ice cubes
- 3 fresh cranberries
- 1 thin strip lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker without ice, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz spiced cranberry syrup, and 1 egg white.
- Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and pulp.
- Step 5: Garnish by threading 3 fresh cranberries onto a cocktail pick and resting it across the rim.
- Step 6: Twist a thin lemon strip over the surface to release oils and place it neatly on the rim for a zesty aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced cranberry whiskey sour 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 Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour?
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 Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour 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 Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour?
Cocktails 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.
