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This festive cocktail made with apple cider and fresh cranberry simple syrup is the perfect cocktail for Fall!

This year, I’m excited to take part in Eat the Culture’s 2023 Holiday Recipe Exchange: Party Pairings for All the Holidays! Holidays often revolve around communal moments – sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, food. This year’s roundup is all about those delightful ‘lite bites’ and drinks that set the tone for festive gatherings.

I had the pleasure of partnering with Britney Chamberlain from Britney Breaks Bread, who crafted a delicious Baked Brie in Puff Pastry.

This appetizer pairs perfectly with my Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour. Learn more about Eat the Culture and find a complete list of recipes from all participants here.

Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC, #PerfectPartyPairings, and #ETCHOLIDAYS2023 on Instagram

Rum cocktails are perfect for Summer. But, during Autumn and winter, I love cocktails that have a great bourbon in them, like the Woodford Spire and the Fall Inspired Orange Caramel Mint Julep. And this Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour is made with a smooth bourbon and is a great addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas.

What is a whiskey sour?

A whiskey sour is a mixed drink that has whiskey bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes, a dash of egg white. The egg white adds a creamy, rich flavor and a frothy texture to the surface. For those who want to avoid the egg white, a good substitute is Aquafaba, which is the liquid that comes from canned chickpeas. Not all sour cocktails contain eggs whites, so it is not necessary to add it. It’s optional.

What Ingredients are needed for this Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour:

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are used in the recipe. They are cooked down with water and sugar to make the simple syrup.

Apple cider: I use apple cider because it’s thicker and more concentrated than apple juice. But, if you only have apple juice, it can be used as a substitution.

Whiskey Bourbon: a good quality bourbon is best for the cocktail.

Egg White: an egg white will add a foam top to the cocktail, but it is not necessary. You can use aquafaba or leave out the egg white together.

How is the Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour made?

To make the cocktail, start with making the cranberry simple syrup. Add fresh or frozen cranberries to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens. Strain the mixture to remove the cranberry pulp and seeds. You can use the back of a spoon to press the cranberries against the strainer to get all of the liquid out. You just need the flavored syrup. Let the syrup cool completely before using it in the cocktail.

Add 2 ounces of the syrup not a cocktail shaker with apple cider, lemon juice, bourbon, an egg white, and ice. Cover the shaker and shake it really well. You want the egg white to fully blend in and for the cocktail to get frothy on top when in the glass.

Pour the cocktail into 2 low ball glasses that are coated with turbinado sugar. Garnish them with apple slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary. The ultimate festive cocktail decor!

Commonly Asked Questions:

Do you have to add the egg white?

No, the egg white can be left out if desired. The cocktail just will not have the frothy top.

Can you make this cocktail with another type of alcohol?

Yes, you can use other types of alcohol in this cocktail. Vodka, gin, tequila, or brandy can be substituted as well.

Does the Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour have to be served on ice?

No, you can pour the mixed cocktail into a glass without ice. It will still be cold because the cocktail is shaken with ice before pouring it.

Looking for other holiday cocktail recipes? Here are a few ideas:

Cranberry Thyme Gin & Tonic

Sparkling Pomegranate Gin & Tonic

Peppermint White Russian

Lavender Cranberry-Orange Cocktail