Paul Kushner
The Cranberry Bourbon Lemonade is bold, bright, and made to keep things easy. Tart cranberry and fresh lemonade bring the sharp and sweet, while bourbon adds a smooth, warming finish. It’s the kind of drink that works just as well at a summer cookout as it does around a fall bonfire. Pour it over ice, toss in a lemon wheel or a few cranberries, and it’s good to go. Simple, refreshing, and full of flavor, the Cranberry Bourbon Lemonade is one of those drinks that fits any mood without needing anything fancy.
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Tasting Notes
The Cranberry Bourbon Lemonade is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that blends the smooth warmth of bourbon with the tart zing of cranberry juice and the citrusy brightness of lemonade. It’s a perfect balance of bold and fruity, with just enough sweetness to make it easy to sip and endlessly drinkable. Garnished with a lemon wheel and cranberries, it’s festive, colorful, and ideal for any season—especially fall and the holidays.
Equipment and Glassware
Use a cocktail shaker and jigger for mixing, and serve in a rocks or highball glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh cranberries for a polished, seasonal look.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Bourbon
- 3 oz. lemonade
- 2 oz. cranberry_juice
- Lemon slice and fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the bourbon, lemonade, and cranberry juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh cranberries.
Pro Tips
- Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tangier, more balanced drink, or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter version.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer.
- Add a sprig of rosemary or mint for an aromatic twist.
- For a sparkling variation, top with club soda or lemon-lime soda.
When to Serve
The Cranberry Bourbon Lemonade is a standout choice for a wide range of occasions, offering a vibrant, fruit-forward spin on a classic bourbon cocktail. Its balanced blend of tart cranberry, zesty lemonade, and rich bourbon makes it a perfect fit for holiday parties and fall gatherings, where bold seasonal flavors are celebrated.
It’s equally at home at backyard BBQs and casual get-togethers, offering a refreshing option that’s easy to serve and sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire pit or enjoying it under the summer sun, this cocktail delivers a smooth yet lively profile that complements any setting. With its deep color and bright finish, the Cranberry Bourbon Lemonade brings warmth, flavor, and festive flair to every glass.
Recommended Brands
- Cranberry juice: Ocean Spray 100% or a craft cranberry blend
- Bourbon: Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, or Bulleit
- Lemonade: Fresh-squeezed or store-bought like Simply Lemonade
Similar Cocktails
- Cranberry Bourbon Sour
- Cranberry Vodka Lemonade
- Cranberry Bourbon Smash
- Cranberry Vodka Sour
- Mango Bourbon Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Bourbon
- 3 oz. lemonade
- 2 oz. cranberry juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the bourbon, lemonade, and cranberry juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh cranberries.
