Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned Recipe
Put an extra festive touch to your holiday cocktail menu with this spiced cranberry old fashioned! Prepared with a fresh cranberry-spice simple syrup and citrusy orange bitters, this holiday old fashioned is filled with the season's best flavors, and it couldn't be easier to make.

How to Make the Best Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
This spiced cranberry old fashioned is the perfect festive cocktail to add to your holiday menu. With its beautiful deep red color and warm spice flavors, it’s a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests. The homemade cranberry-spice simple syrup is the star of this drink, infusing every sip with the season’s best flavors.
Making this holiday old fashioned at home is surprisingly easy. The syrup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. Simply combine fresh cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, then pair it with quality bourbon and bright orange bitters for a balanced, sophisticated cocktail.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to enjoy a special drink during the festive season, this spiced cranberry old fashioned is a delicious choice that brings all the warmth and comfort of the holidays to your glass. Garnish with candied cranberries and fresh rosemary for that extra festive touch.

Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
Put an extra festive touch to your holiday cocktail menu with this spiced cranberry old fashioned! Prepared with a fresh cranberry-spice simple syrup and citrusy orange bitters, this holiday old fashioned is filled with the season's best flavors, and it couldn't be easier to make.
Ingredients
Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup
Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
Instructions
Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, water, and sugar.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, orange zest, nutmeg, ginger, and ground cloves.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down and the syrup is infused with spices.
- Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.
Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
- Add the bourbon and spiced cranberry simple syrup to a cocktail glass.
- Add the orange bitters and stir to combine.
- Place the large ice cube in the glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist, sugared cranberries, and candied rosemary if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The spiced cranberry simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a stronger cranberry flavor, use additional simple syrup in the cocktail.
- Feel free to adjust the spices in the syrup to your personal preference.