Cheers to fall with this Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail. This is a cocktail that’s a little bit sweet but not too tart with warm notes from the bourbon. Make it your fall signature drink.

Pin Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail to make later.

Front view of cranberry orange bourbon cocktail in a clear glass.

This cranberry orange bourbon cocktail is perfectly balanced between juice and alcohol. It gets its warmth from the bourbon. It’s a great cocktail to end a long week.

What do I need to make a Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail?

If you have a well-stocked bar you have everything you need to make this bourbon and cranberry drink. The bourbon cranberry orange cocktail recipe below, as it’s written, is for one serving. Easily increase the amounts to make more servings.

Bourbon – I actually used a bourbon whiskey.
Cranberry Juice – Use 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor.
Orange Juice – Fresh squeezed is always delicious but your favorite brand works too.
Ice – If you make ice balls, one will suffice but for mixed drinks, I like using ice cubes.
Frozen or fresh cranberries – for garnish
Fresh orange slice or wedge – for garnish

A cocktail on a table next to a cut orange with a fall vase in the background.

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon?

The short answer is yes you can substitute whiskey for bourbon and vice versa. By doing so, expect a slight difference in flavor. Whiskey can have more of a bite to it, or harshness, while bourbon has more mellow characteristics.

Bourbon is an American-made whiskey that must contain at least 51 percent corn in its mash and be aged in new, charred oak barrels. 95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky.

What type of glass should I use for this cranberry orange cocktail?

The best glass to use is what is known as an old-fashioned or rocks glass. It’s a lower glass like the one I’ve used in the pictures.

Sometimes people will refer to this type of glass as a tumbler or lowball, as opposed to a highball which is used for drinks like a Tom Collins.

A clear glass with liquid and ice cubes garnished with floating cranberries and an orange wedge with a cranberry.

I don’t have a cocktail shaker what else can I use?

No cocktail shaker, no problem! Before I owned one (or 3) I used a large mason jar with a lid.

Large, 24-ounce mason jars hold a good amount of ice plus the liquid ingredients. It’s easy to muddle fruit and herbs if necessary.

More Cranberry Orange Cocktails

Cranberry Orange Mimosa – Perfect for celebrating special occasions.
The Madras Cocktail – Festive for the holidays or Cinco de Mayo.

More Bourbon Cocktails

Maple Bourbon Sour – Another delicious fall beverage.
Honey Bourbon Hot Toddy – A way to warm up on a cold day.
Classic Jack and Coke Cocktail – A classic cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.

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