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Winter Cranberry Ginger Bourbon Smash Pitcher – Easy Holiday Cocktail

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A quick and easy pitcher cocktail featuring bourbon, tart cranberries, spicy ginger, and bright citrus, perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a simple muddling-in-the-pitcher method for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cups bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Bulleit)
  • Ice cubes (enough to fill pitcher halfway)
  • Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the cranberries and pick out any stems or soft ones. Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Peel the ginger with a vegetable peeler and slice it into thin coins.
  2. Add the cranberries, orange slices, lemon slices, and ginger slices to a large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity).
  3. Using a wooden spoon or muddler, gently press down on the fruit and ginger about 15-20 times until the cranberries pop open and the juices release. Do not over-muddle.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the honey (or maple syrup) with the warm water until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the pitcher.
  5. Add the bourbon and stir gently. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
  6. Fill the pitcher halfway with ice cubes and stir gently. Let the pitcher rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  7. Pour into ice-filled glasses, making sure each glass gets a few cranberries and a slice of citrus. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks if desired.

Notes

For best results, let the pitcher rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. If making ahead, prepare everything except ice up to 2 hours ahead and add ice just before serving. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with strong brewed chai tea or ginger beer. For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: winter cranberry ginger bourbon smash, holiday cocktail, pitcher cocktail, bourbon cocktail, cranberry cocktail, ginger cocktail, easy cocktail, Christmas cocktail

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/winter-cranberry-ginger-bourbon-smash-pitcher-easy-holiday-cocktail/