Cranberry Bourbon Fizz Recipe

Cranberries: Fresh or thawed if frozen, these berries provide the tart base for the cocktail.

Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add a zesty, citrusy note.

Bourbon: The main spirit, offering warmth and complexity.

Club soda: Adds a refreshing fizz to the drink.

Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail slightly.

When muddling the cranberries and maple syrup, ensure you press firmly but gently to release the juices without breaking the seeds, which can add bitterness. Using a cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer can help keep the pulp out of your drink, resulting in a smoother Cranberry Bourbon Fizz.

• fresh or thawed if frozen cranberries - Substitute with pomegranate seeds: Pomegranate seeds provide a similar tartness and vibrant color, making them a great alternative to cranberries.

• maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency to maple syrup, making it a suitable vegan substitute.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a comparable acidity and citrus flavor, which can work well in place of lemon juice.

• bourbon - Substitute with apple cider: Apple cider provides a rich, complex flavor that can mimic the depth of bourbon without the alcohol content.

• club soda - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water offers the same effervescence as club soda, making it an easy swap.

• ice - Substitute with frozen fruit cubes: Frozen fruit cubes can chill the drink while adding a subtle fruit flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• To store the cranberry bourbon fizz, transfer any leftover mixture into an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The club soda will lose its fizz, so add a fresh splash before serving.

• If you want to prepare the cranberry mixture in advance, muddle the cranberries and maple syrup together, then add the lemon juice and bourbon. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, shake with ice and top with fresh club soda.

• For freezing, you can make cranberry ice cubes. Muddle cranberries with maple syrup and a bit of lemon juice. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Use these cubes to chill your bourbon fizz without diluting the flavor.

• If you have leftover cranberries, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be used directly from the freezer for future cocktails or other recipes.

• Always use fresh ice when serving to maintain the best taste and presentation.

• Pour the Cranberry Bourbon Fizz into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low heat, stirring gently to maintain the fizz and prevent the bourbon from evaporating too quickly.
• Once warmed, pour back into a glass and top with a splash of fresh club soda to revive the fizz.
• Alternatively, if you prefer a cold drink, simply let the mixture come to room temperature and add fresh ice before serving.
• For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cranberries or a lemon twist to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly by shaking them with ice.

• Muddler: Essential for crushing the cranberries and releasing their juices.

• Strainer: Helps to separate the liquid from the solid bits of cranberries when pouring into glasses.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the exact amounts of cranberries, bourbon, and club soda.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the maple syrup and lemon juice.

• Lemon squeezer: Handy for extracting fresh lemon juice without seeds.

• Ice cube tray: Provides the ice needed to chill the drink.

• Glasses: Used to serve the finished cocktail.

• Bar spoon: Useful for stirring the drink after adding the club soda.

• Knife: Needed for cutting the lemon for squeezing and garnishing.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the lemon.

Use pre-made cranberry juice: Substitute fresh or thawed cranberries with pre-made cranberry juice to save time on muddling.

Batch your drinks: Mix larger quantities of bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice in advance, then store in the fridge.

Pre-chill your glasses: Keep your glasses in the freezer so you don't need as much ice.

Use a cocktail shaker with a strainer: This eliminates the need for a separate strainer, making the process faster.

Garnish ahead of time: Prepare cranberry and lemon twist garnishes in advance and store them in the fridge.