Roasted Cranberry Bourbon Crush
Roasted honey cranberries pair nicely with tart cranberry juice, caramel hinted bourbon and bubbly lemon-lime soda. This Cranberry Bourbon Crush is perfect for a large batch of punch at your holiday party!
Cranberry juice is the base of so many of my cocktails it is not even funny. I think I buy more cranberry juice than anything else and I have to say that I never drink it straight.
It is way too tart on its own, even the juice “cocktails” that you get at the store, that I usually have to pair it with something. That something is usually vodka and lime.
Go ahead and say it… Vodka has no taste and lime is tart too, you idiot. Not in a cocktail, though. It magically becomes sweet and the perfect drink combination! Okay, it’s probably still tart but I love it anyway!
When the hubby and I went to Kentucky for the Derby in 2014 bourbon was everywhere! I even went on a tour of a bourbon distillery and had a few tastings.
I wasn’t a huge fan I have to say. Bourbon is definitely an acquired taste. One that I am acquiring rapidly thanks to a bartender. I really needed to start since the hubby has been collecting for a few years and now has quite a collection.
While we were in Kentucky I did have to try some. One of the bartenders suggested adding a little something tart and sweet to help me ease into it. He had a raspberry ginger ale on hand behind the bar so I gave it a shot. All I can say is WOW!
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That hint of raspberry and the little sweetness from the ginger ale had me hooked. The hubby still likes his neat or with one ice cube (a fancy round one) but he did try my cocktail. He gave it a thumbs up.
Ever since then I have been experimenting with bourbon to see what else I can pair with it to make a fun cocktail that I can drink alongside the hubs.
While playing around for Cranberry Week I decided these Honey Roasted Cranberries from my Crostini were the perfect addition. Now you can make one batch and have a cocktail and an appetizer!
Given that the hubby is protective of his bourbon collection, he is not a fan of me experimenting with it. Especially if he is not sure of the outcome. No wasted bourbon in our house!
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I mixed my bourbon with some cranberry juice, some of these amazing honey roasted cranberries, and a bit of Cranberry flavored Sprite.
The Cranberry Sprite is only around in my town during the holidays so if you can’t find it, regular Sprite or other lemon-lime soda will do.
Roasted Cranberry Bourbon Crush
Ingredients
Honey Roasted Cranberries
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
For the Cranberry Bourbon Crush Cocktail
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry Sprite
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons honey roasted cranberries
- cranberries for garnish
Instructions
Make the Honey Roasted Cranberries
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Combine the cranberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar.
- Pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or one with a silicone baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until they start to burst.
- Remove and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
Make the Roasted Cranberry Bourbon Crush
- Combine the Bourbon, cranberry juice, and cranberry soda.
- Stir in the roasted cranberries.
- Divide between two glasses with ice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Notes
Nutrition
Welcome to #CranberryWeek, hosted by Caroline’s Cooking and A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. We’ll be sharing cranberry-inspired creations all week long in celebration of national cranberry day.
- Cranberry Apple Sauce from Cooking With Carlee
- Cranberry Bliss Bars from Palatable Pastime
- Cranberry Cheesecake Brownies by The Bitter Side of Sweet
- Cranberry Cheesecake Dream Bars from Life Currents
- Cranberry Grains Power Bowl from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Cranberry Streusel Bread from Hostess At Heart
- Pumpkin Dump Cake with Cranberries from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Savory Cranberry and Cheese Tart from Caroline’s Cooking
- Tuna Salad with Cranberries from Sew You Think You Can Cook
I like the idea of making this punch for a party or large gathering. Will definitely have to try it.
I like the idea of making this punch for a party or large gathering. Will definitely have to try it.
Jen, love visiting your blog around the holiday. It is like one stop recipe for all my entertaining!!! Sharing, of course!
Thanks love!!
I must try some roasted cranberries, whether for yummy drinks like this or other dishes!
Make a huge batch I have been using it for everything!
Love that you use roasted fresh cranberries in it. I’m rarely a bourbon drinker but this recipe has me looking in my liquor cabinet to see if we have any.
I’m not really either but with the sweet and tart cranberries it makes it so good!