Wisconsin Cranberry Whiskey Sour
A tart and fruity whiskey sour with fresh cranberry and a hint of local charm, perfect for a refreshing twist on a classic. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, 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 190 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
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz cranberry syrup
- 0.5 oz (optional for froth) egg white
- as needed ice cubes
- 3 fresh cranberries
- 1 twist lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz cranberry syrup, and 0.5 oz egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and cranberry pulp.
- Step 5: Garnish with 3 fresh cranberries skewered on a cocktail pick resting across the rim and a lemon twist expressed over the surface and placed inside the glass.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wisconsin Cranberry Whiskey Sour take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Wisconsin Cranberry Whiskey Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.
