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Quick Maple Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail: Easy 5-Minute Recipe

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A quick and easy cocktail made with bourbon, pure maple syrup, tart cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. Ready in under 5 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight drink that tastes like effort but took none.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 3 oz (90 ml) 100% pure cranberry juice (e.g., Ocean Spray)
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber preferred)
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice (from about half a lime)
  • Ice cubes (large, clear cubes preferred)
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprig, or orange slice

Instructions

  1. Fill a lowball glass with 4-5 large ice cubes (or enough standard cubes to fill three-quarters full). Let sit 30 seconds to chill.
  2. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon over the ice.
  3. Add 1/2 oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup. It will sink to the bottom—do not stir yet.
  4. Squeeze 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice into the glass. Watch for seeds and remove if any fall in.
  5. Pour 3 oz (90 ml) 100% cranberry juice into the glass.
  6. Stir gently but thoroughly with a bar spoon for 15-20 seconds, scraping the bottom to fully dissolve the maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig (slap between palms first), or an orange slice. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lime juice—bottled lime juice tastes flat. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the maple syrup, which sinks to the bottom. Large ice cubes melt slower and prevent dilution. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with strong brewed chai tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. The cocktail can be mixed ahead (without ice) and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon cranberry cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, 5-minute cocktail, fall cocktail, bourbon drink, cranberry bourbon, maple syrup cocktail

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/quick-maple-bourbon-cranberry-cocktail-easy-5-minute-recipe/