Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Fizz: A Sweet and Spicy Holiday Cocktail

Introduction

The holiday season is all about festive flavors, cozy gatherings, and delicious drinks that bring people together. While eggnog and mulled wine often steal the spotlight, sometimes you need a cocktail that’s bold, refreshing, and packed with warmth and spice. That’s where the Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Fizz comes in—a sweet, tart, and slightly spicy holiday cocktail that perfectly balances the richness of bourbon with the brightness of cranberries and a hint of fizz.

The first time I made this cocktail was for a holiday cocktail party, where I wanted something that was seasonal but not overly sweet. I love bourbon during the colder months because of its deep, caramel-like warmth, and pairing it with cranberries, ginger, and a touch of spice turned out to be the perfect combination. The addition of sparkling water or ginger beer added a fun, fizzy twist, making it light enough to sip but complex enough to feel like a special occasion drink. It quickly became the most requested cocktail of the night, and now it’s a staple for all my holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, ringing in the New Year, or just looking for a new seasonal favorite, this Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Fizz is the perfect drink. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, with its deep red color, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon for garnish, it’s just as stunning as it is delicious.

---

The Perfect Drink for the Holiday Season

The best holiday cocktails are bold, festive, and full of seasonal flavors, and this one checks all the boxes. The richness of bourbon, the tartness of cranberries, and the warm spice of ginger and cinnamon create a drink that feels both classic and modern at the same time.

Here’s why this cocktail is a must-have for the holidays:

• It’s perfectly balanced – The tart cranberry, sweet bourbon, and spicy ginger work together beautifully.
• It’s simple to make – No complicated techniques, just shake, pour, and sip.
• It can be made in large batches – Perfect for serving a crowd at holiday parties.
• It’s visually stunning – The deep red color, fresh cranberries, and festive garnishes make it look as good as it tastes.
• It’s warming but refreshing – Unlike heavy winter drinks, this one has a light, fizzy finish that makes it easy to enjoy.

Whether you’re serving it at a family holiday gathering, a Friendsgiving celebration, or a classy New Year’s Eve toast, this cocktail is sure to impress.

---

Picture Gallery

---

Why Cranberry, Bourbon, and Spices Work So Well Together

The magic of this cocktail comes from the way its flavors blend together. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a bold, warming, and well-balanced drink that captures the spirit of the holidays.

Bourbon: The Deep, Warm Base

Bourbon has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, making it the perfect base for a winter cocktail. Its smooth richness pairs beautifully with tart fruits and warming spices, giving this drink its cozy, slightly smoky depth.

Cranberry Juice: The Tart, Fruity Balance

Cranberry juice adds a bright tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the bourbon. It also gives the cocktail its gorgeous deep red color, making it extra festive.

Ginger: The Spicy Kick

Fresh ginger or ginger beer brings a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the richness of the bourbon and the tartness of the cranberry. It also adds a slight fizz, making the drink feel light and refreshing.

Maple Syrup or Honey: The Natural Sweetener

Instead of using simple syrup, this cocktail is sweetened with maple syrup or honey, which enhances the caramel-like notes of bourbon and adds a touch of holiday sweetness.

Cinnamon & Cloves: The Holiday Spices

A dash of cinnamon and cloves rounds out the drink with a subtle warmth, making it feel like a holiday treat in a glass.

Sparkling Water or Ginger Beer: The Refreshing Finish

A splash of sparkling water or ginger beer adds effervescence, making the cocktail light, crisp, and incredibly drinkable.

Together, these ingredients create a cocktail that’s bold, spiced, refreshing, and undeniably festive—the perfect way to toast the holiday season.

---

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Fizz: The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon (choose a good-quality bourbon for the best flavor)
• 3 oz cranberry juice (100% juice, no added sugar)
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ oz maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (or ½ oz ginger liqueur)
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
• 2 oz sparkling water or ginger beer (for fizz)
• Ice cubes

For Garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange peel or slice
• Cinnamon stick
• Rosemary sprig

Instructions:

1. Muddle the Ginger – In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh ginger with maple syrup (or honey) and lime juice to release its flavor.
2. Shake It Up – Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, cinnamon, and cloves, then fill the shaker with ice. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain & Pour – Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass.
4. Add the Fizz – Top with sparkling water or ginger beer for a light, bubbly finish.
5. Garnish & Serve – Add fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

---

FAQ Section

Can I make this in a big batch?

Yes! To make a large batch, mix the bourbon, cranberry juice, lime juice, maple syrup, and spices in a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then add the sparkling water or ginger beer right before serving.

What’s the best bourbon to use?

Look for a smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, or Buffalo Trace. If you like a bolder, smokier bourbon, go for Bulleit or Knob Creek.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply replace the bourbon with extra cranberry juice and a splash of apple cider for a festive, family-friendly version.

Can I use store-bought ginger beer instead of fresh ginger?

Yes! Ginger beer adds a stronger spicy kick and extra fizz. If you want a milder version, use sparkling water with a dash of ginger syrup.

How can I make it sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the maple syrup or honey or use a sweeter bourbon.

---

Variations

• Cranberry Bourbon Old Fashioned – Skip the sparkling water and serve over ice with a dash of bitters.
• Smoky Cranberry Bourbon – Use smoked cinnamon or a smoked glass for an extra warming effect.
• Holiday Bourbon Mule – Serve in a copper mug with extra ginger beer for a festive bourbon mule.
• Pomegranate Bourbon Fizz – Replace half the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a rich, fruity twist.

---

When to Serve It

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day – A bold and festive holiday cocktail.
• New Year’s Eve Parties – A sparkling alternative to champagne.
• Winter Gatherings & Dinners – A cozy, spiced drink perfect for cold nights.
• Holiday Cocktail Hours – An impressive yet easy-to-make signature drink.

---

Conclusion

The Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Fizz is the ultimate holiday cocktail, balancing sweetness, tartness, spice, and warmth in every sip. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, enjoying a quiet winter night, or raising a glass to the new year, this cocktail is the perfect way to toast the season.