ROSEMARY CRANBERRY BOURBON COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1½ oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or low-sugar preferred)

• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup or honey syrup (to taste)

• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary

• Ice

• Optional (for depth): 1 dash orange bitters

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. In a shaker, gently muddle the rosemary sprig with the simple syrup or honey syrup to release aroma (don’t pulverize it).

2. Add:

   • bourbon

   • cranberry juice

   • lemon juice

   • orange bitters (if using)

   • ice

3. Shake well until chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

5. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig (optional: lightly clap it between your hands to release oils).

Flavor Profile

• Woodsy and aromatic

• Lightly tart from cranberry

• Smooth, warm bourbon finish

• Not sweet

• Very holiday, very grown
  

Kitchen / Bar Notes

• Use real cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail, for balance.

• If you prefer softer sweetness, use honey syrup (1:1 honey + warm water).

• Rye whiskey also works if you want more spice.

• This scales beautifully for batching.
  

Batch Version (Serves 6)

• 1½ cups bourbon

• 1 cup cranberry juice

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice

• ⅓–½ cup simple or honey syrup

• 3 rosemary sprigs

Stir together, chill, and serve over ice.