Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Cranberry Bourbon Smash, an enchanting combination of flavors, whisks you away into a world of festive joy with every sip. This spirited drink melds the rich warmth of bourbon with succulent cranberries and bright mint. The result is a vibrant cocktail that’s not just about taste—it’s a celebration in a glass.
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I first stumbled upon this delightful creation at a friend’s holiday gathering, and I couldn’t resist reaching for a second. Its balance of sweetness and tartness instantly puts you in the holiday mood. As you set out to prepare this drink, you’ll relish the simplicity and robust flavors that make it a standout among the season’s beverages. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get mixing! This inviting beverage is perfect for sharing laughter and cheer with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just a five-minute prep time means you can whip this up in no time for unexpected guests.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of bourbon, fresh juice, and mint creates a cocktail that dances on your palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its rich amber hue, accented with cranberries and an orange wheel, makes for a striking presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday festivities, cozy nights at home, or a delightful brunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This drink can easily be tailored to fit various dietary preferences, keeping everyone happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 oz bourbon: Choose a good quality bourbon for the best flavor; it serves as the cocktail’s warming base. You can substitute with rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries: Use vibrant, ripe cranberries to infuse a fresh tartness. If they’re unavailable, you can use cranberry juice, but the experience won’t be quite the same.
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint adds a refreshing aroma and flavor; it’s essential not to over-muddle to avoid bitterness.
- 1 oz fresh orange juice: Squeeze your orange juice right before mixing for maximum freshness. You could substitute with blood orange juice for a unique twist.
- 3/4 oz simple syrup: This sweetener balances the cocktail; you can easily make it at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
- Crushed ice: This creates a cold, refreshing drink experience. You can use ice cubes, but crushed ice provides better texture.
- Dried blood orange wheel for garnish: A lovely touch that adds a pop of color and enhances presentation.
- Fresh cranberries for garnish: A festive addition that brings extra cheer.
- Mint sprig for garnish: This aromatic garnish elevates the sensory experience.
How to Make Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
Muddle Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, combine the 1/4 cup fresh cranberries and 6-8 fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them together for about 30 seconds until the cranberries burst and release their juices while the mint becomes fragrant; be careful not to over-muddle, as bitter flavors can result.
Mix the Cocktail: Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to the muddled mixture. If using a cocktail shaker, toss in a handful of crushed ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill everything beautifully. If you’re mixing in a glass, stir everything together well to incorporate the flavors.
Prepare the Glass: Fill a crystal-cut rocks glass with crushed ice, packing it gently to create a pleasing texture. This ice helps maintain a perfect chill for the cocktail as you sip.
Strain and Garnish: Strain the ruby-hued cocktail mixture over the crushed ice using a fine-mesh strainer to remove the muddled cranberry and mint bits, leaving a gorgeous liquid. For an enchanting presentation, garnish with a dried blood orange wheel elegantly placed on the rim, a handful of fresh cranberries scattered atop the ice, and a fresh mint sprig for that aromatic finishing touch. Enjoy your creation immediately!
Storing & Reheating
For the best flavor, serve your Blood Orange Bourbon Smash fresh. If you have extra mixture left, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. While you can technically freeze it for up to three months, the texture may change, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. When you’re ready to sip, give it a gentle stir and serve over fresh ice to renew the drink’s vibrant appeal.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Over-Muddling: When muddling mint, gentle pressure is key to avoid bitter results.
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glass beforehand by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of simple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
- Make Ahead: Prep the muddled mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and just add ice and bourbon when serving.
- Bottle Your Simple Syrup: Make a larger batch of simple syrup and keep it in the fridge for quick cocktail-making in the future.
The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is not just a cocktail; it’s a heartfelt expression of holiday spirit, warmth, and camaraderie. With its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors, it’s a drink that’s bound to impress at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to make small tweaks based on your taste—experimenting is all part of the fun!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of bourbon?
Absolutely! While bourbon brings a wonderful richness, you could use rye whiskey for a spicier version or even a flavored bourbon. Each variation offers a unique twist on this recipe.
How do I make simple syrup?
Making simple syrup is easy! Just combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, then heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool before using. You can even infuse it with herbs or citrus for extra flavor.
Can this cocktail be made in larger batches?
Yes! To make a larger batch for a party, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Mix the muddled cranberries and mint with bourbon and orange juice in a larger pitcher, and when serving, pour it over ice. It’s perfect for toasting with friends!
What can I use if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with high-quality cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail. Keep in mind that this will adjust the tartness and sweetness of your drink, so taste and tweak your simple syrup accordingly.
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📖 Recipe Card
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Cocktail
Description
Enjoy the festive flavor of the Blood Orange Bourbon Smash. This easy cocktail combines bourbon with fresh cranberries and mint, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- crushed ice
- dried blood orange wheel for garnish
- fresh cranberries for garnish
- mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, combine the fresh cranberries and mint leaves. Muddle gently for about 30 seconds to release juices and fragrance without overdoing it on the mint.
- Add the bourbon, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup to the mixture. If using a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake for 15-20 seconds; if in a glass, stir well to combine.
- Fill a crystal-cut rocks glass with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice, allowing the liquid to flow through while catching the muddled pieces.
- Garnish with a dried blood orange wheel, fresh cranberries, and a mint sprig for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
For a sweeter drink, adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste.
Experiment with different garnishes like citrus slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
