This fun holiday drink is sure to lift your spirits! Made with a mix of spirits and festive flavors, it’s a great way to celebrate the season with friends.
I love how this cocktail brings a cheerful vibe to any party! Just shake it up and watch everyone enjoy the jolly flavors. Cheers to good times and great company! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bourbon Whiskey: This is the heart of the cocktail, providing warmth and depth. If you prefer a different spirit, rye whiskey or spiced rum work as great alternatives, giving a unique twist to the drink.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice delivers a tart flavor. If you want something sweeter, you can use sweetened cranberry juice or even pomegranate juice for a different fruity note.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for brightness. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it’s not as vibrant. You could substitute lime juice for a zesty twist!
Simple Syrup: This adds sweetness. You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water. For a healthier option, use honey or agave syrup. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Club Soda/Sparkling Water: This gives the cocktail a bubbly finish. If you want something sweeter, you might opt for a lemon-lime soda instead.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Shake for Your Cocktail?
Shaking your cocktail properly is key for mixing flavors and chilling it effectively. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a cocktail shaker; use a standard shaker or a cocktail glass if you don’t have one.
- Fill the shaker with ice before adding the ingredients. This helps to chill everything quickly.
- Once you add the bourbon, juices, and syrup, seal the shaker tightly. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want it to be cold to the touch!
- When pouring, use a strainer if you prefer a smoother drink without ice shards.
Shaking properly ensures all the flavors blend beautifully while keeping the drink refreshing and cool. Enjoy your holiday cheer! 🥂
Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprig, for garnish
- Granulated sugar, for dusting garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings when you want to whip up something special without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing your cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 oz of bourbon whiskey, 1 oz of unsweetened cranberry juice, 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. This mixture will give your cocktail a lovely blend of sweet, tart, and strong flavors.
2. Shake It Up:
Add a handful of ice cubes into the shaker with the ingredients. Seal the shaker tightly, and give it a good shake for about 15 seconds. You want it to feel chilled and frosty on the outside — this ensures that everything is well mixed and perfectly cooled!
3. Prepare the Glass:
While you’re shaking, grab a rocks glass and fill it with crushed ice. This will keep your cocktail nice and cold. If you don’t have crushed ice, regular ice cubes will work too!
4. Strain and Pour:
Now, take your shaker and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass over the crushed ice. Watch as the beautiful color flows down into the glass, creating a vibrant drink.
5. Add Some Fizz:
Top off your cocktail with a splash of club soda or sparkling water. This gives your drink a refreshing fizz and lightens up the flavors.
6. Garnish Like a Pro:
For a festive touch, take a few fresh cranberries and skewer them onto a cocktail pick along with a small sprig of thyme. To make them look extra special, lightly dust the cranberries with granulated sugar — this creates a lovely frosted effect!
7. Final Presentation:
Place the skewer across the top of the glass as a beautiful garnish. It adds color and charm that’s perfect for the holiday spirit!
8. Time to Enjoy!
Serve your Kris Kringle’s Jingle Batch Cocktail immediately and enjoy the cheers and smiles as you sip this festive concoction. Cheers to a joyful holiday season!
This cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the tart freshness of cranberry and lemon, balanced by a hint of sweetness and bubbly. The sugared cranberries and thyme garnish add a festive touch perfect for holiday celebrations!
Can I Use a Different Spirit Instead of Bourbon?
Absolutely! While bourbon is recommended for its warmth and flavor, you can try rye whiskey for a spicier kick or even spiced rum for a sweeter profile. Each will give your cocktail a unique twist.
How Do I Make Simple Syrup?
Making simple syrup is easy! Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let it cool, then store in the fridge for up to a month!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Lemon Juice?
If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. For a slightly different flavor, lime juice works great too, adding a zesty twist to your cocktail.
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail?
It’s best to enjoy this cocktail fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can refrigerate it for up to a day in an airtight container. Just give it a good shake before serving again, and consider refreshing it with more ice!
