Festive Cranberry Sparkler

This festive cranberry bourbon cider is a delightful winter cocktail that's perfect for celebrating the holidays. A homemade spiced cranberry syrup adds a burst of flavor to this cocktail, which is mixed with whiskey bourbon, apple cider, and finished with a sparkly cinnamon sugar rim. It's a refreshing and festive drink that's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Festive Cranberry Sparkler

A delightful winter cocktail made with homemade spiced cranberry syrup, whiskey bourbon, apple cider, and a sparkly cinnamon sugar rim.

4.15 from 87 votes
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar (honey, agave, or pure maple syrup can also be used)
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1" piece ginger, cut into slices
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 ounces whiskey bourbon
  • 2 ounces apple cider
  • sparkling water, for topping
  • 3 tablespoons coarse sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ginger.
  2. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the syrup has thickened.
  3. Stir in the orange zest and rosemary. Remove from heat, discard the whole spices, ginger, and rosemary.
  4. To make the sugared rim: on a small plate, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Rub the cocktail glass with a thin layer of honey or syrup. Dip the glass in the cinnamon sugar.
  5. In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine 2-3 tablespoons of the cranberry syrup, bourbon, and apple cider. Cover and shake.
  6. Pour over ice into a cocktail glass.
  7. Top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, and sprig of rosemary.