Go Back

Festive Cranberry Orange Whiskey Smash

A vibrant and refreshing holiday cocktail featuring bourbon, fresh muddled cranberries, orange slices, and cooling mint, served over crushed ice.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Cocktail
  • 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
  • 0.5 Orange cut into wedges
  • 8 Fresh Cranberries
  • 6 leaves Fresh Mint
  • 0.75 oz Honey Syrup or simple syrup
  • 1 splash Ginger Beer optional
Garnish
  • 1 slice Dried Orange
  • 1 sprig Fresh Mint
  • 1 tbsp Cranberries fresh
  • 1 cup Crushed Ice

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Muddler
  • Rocks glass
  • Strainer

Method
 

  1. Optional: Rim a rocks glass with an orange wedge and dip into granulated sugar.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine orange wedges, fresh cranberries, mint leaves, and honey syrup.
  3. Muddle firmly to release juices and oils, but be careful not to shred the mint too finely.
  4. Pour in the whiskey and add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.
  5. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
  6. Fill the prepared glass to the brim with crushed ice.
  7. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with a splash of ginger beer if desired.
  8. Garnish generously with a dried orange slice, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of mint.

Notes

To make honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and hot water until dissolved. Let cool before using.