There’s something nice about serving a holiday whiskey cocktail that feels familiar but still brings something fresh. This Christmas Old Fashioned does exactly that. It keeps the structure of a classic Old Fashioned but adds a cranberry twist that fits the season without altering how easy it is to mix.

I first made this Christmas Old Fashioned during a small holiday dinner at home. The cranberry syrup added a bright note, the orange slice made the glass smell like the season, and the clean whiskey base kept the drink steady. It felt relaxed and festive at the same time, and it quickly turned into the Christmas whiskey drink I reach for when December gets busy.

If you enjoy cocktails that stay strong, balanced, and easy to sip, this winter Old Fashioned fits perfectly. It holds onto that classic Old Fashioned feel but gains a soft holiday sweetness from the cranberry syrup. It works for holiday parties, quiet nights by the tree, or evenings when you want something warm and steady.

Why You’ll Love This

This Christmas Old Fashioned brings together the bold flavor of rye whiskey with the color and brightness of cranberry simple syrup. It keeps the clean taste of a traditional Old Fashioned but feels more seasonal. The cranberry lightly softens the edges, and the whiskey stays the focus.

Once you mix it, it becomes a Christmas Old Fashioned you’ll keep coming back to all season long.

Ingredients

Every ingredient in this Christmas Old Fashioned plays a clear role. The rye whiskey provides the drink’s base. The cranberry simple syrup adds a soft fruit note. The bitters tie everything together. Fresh cranberries and an orange slice finish the drink with color and aroma.

2 ounces rye whiskey
4 dashes Angostura bitters
0.5 ounce cranberry simple syrup adjust to taste
3 cranberries for muddling
sugar for rimming (optional)
cranberries for garnish (optional)
orange slice, for garnish

The syrup lets you control the sweetness. Start small and add more if needed. The muddled cranberries add a light tart note. The orange slice adds a bright scent that fits a holiday whiskey cocktail.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Rye whiskey shapes the flavor of a Christmas Old Fashioned, so picking the right one helps. Some rye has a peppery edge, and some stay smoother. The cranberry syrup pairs well with most options, making this an easy whiskey Christmas cocktail to build with what you already have.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need many tools for this Christmas Old Fashioned. A rocks glass works best because it holds a large ice cube and shows off the cranberry color. A muddler helps you gently break the cranberries, and a mixing glass gives you room to stir everything smoothly.

Tools that help

A larger ice cube melts slowly, so the drink stays stronger for longer.

How to Make It

This Christmas Old Fashioned follows the same rhythm as the classic version. The muddled cranberries add a seasonal twist. The rest comes together in a mixing glass, allowing you to stir the drink until it feels smooth and cold.

If you want a sugar rim, dip the rim of a rocks glass in cranberry simple syrup. Press it into sugar, then set the glass aside.
Add three cranberries to the bottom of the prepared glass. Muddle them lightly.
Place a large ice cube or ice ball in the glass.
In a mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey, cranberry simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Add ice to the mixing glass and stir until cold.
Strain the drink into the prepared rocks glass.
Finish with an orange slice and a few cranberries.

If you want a sharper whiskey note, reduce the cranberry syrup or add one more dash of bitters.

Pro Tips

These tips help your Christmas Old Fashioned taste clean and look polished.

Use clear ice for a better look
Stir longer for a smoother finish
Add syrup slowly since cranberries can take over
Use flamed orange peel for more aroma
Muddle the cranberries lightly to avoid bitterness
Keep your whiskey chilled for a colder drink
Add one more dash of bitters if you want a sharper profile
Use homemade cranberry syrup for a stronger color

Variations

You can change this Christmas Old Fashioned in simple ways without losing the holiday feel.

Make it with bourbon instead of rye for a softer taste
Use maple syrup instead of cranberry syrup for a warmer winter note
Make a non alcoholic version with NA whiskey and cranberry syrup
Add a splash of ginger syrup for a light spice
Try cherry bitters for deeper fruit flavor

These small changes help you enjoy the drink throughout the whole season.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Christmas Old Fashioned fits holiday gatherings, quiet winter nights, and moments when you want a strong whiskey drink with seasonal flavor. The cranberry and orange pair nicely with winter snacks and classic December dishes.

Good pairings

Roasted nuts
Soft cheeses
Dark chocolate
Cranberry-glazed ham
Charcuterie
Other holiday cocktails, like a Winter Whiskey Sour or Cranberry Manhattan

The whiskey base lets you pair this drink with both sweet and savory foods.

Storage and Serving Notes

This Christmas Old Fashioned tastes best when freshly mixed. The cranberry syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. If you want to batch the drink, mix the whiskey, bitters, and syrup in a sealed container. Stir each serving over ice so you keep the right chill and dilution.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about this Christmas Old Fashioned.

Is rye or bourbon better?
Rye keeps the drink bold. Bourbon makes it softer.

Can I make it sweeter?
Yes. Add more cranberry syrup slowly.

Can I skip the muddled cranberries?
Yes. It still tastes great, though the fruit adds a brighter look.

What if I only have regular simple syrup?
Use it, then muddle a few cranberries for color and flavor.

Should I shake or stir?
Always stir to keep the drink smooth.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy this Christmas Old Fashioned, these other options fit the season.