Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

"This Cranberry Bourbon cocktail is nicely balanced, with just the right amount of nuance from sweet vermouth. My husband Alex actually created this cocktail, and he first tried it as a cranberry Manhattan. It was slightly too boozy for my tastes, so he kept the vermouth and added orange juice. It came out sweet tart, with just the right amount of bourbon finish! Here's what you'll need:"

"Bourbon whiskey: Use any mid-range bottle of bourbon. I like bottles in the $25-40 range, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch, or Woodford Reserve. Sweet vermouth: This fortified wine is common in a Manhattan, and it adds a nice complexity to this drink. Orange juice: You can use fresh or bottled juice. 100% unsweetened cranberry juice: I recommend using 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor and color in this drink (avoid cranberry juice cocktail). Simple syrup: This adds just the right hint of sweetness to the drink."

The cranberry bourbon cocktail balances sweet, tart, and complex flavors using bourbon, sweet vermouth, orange juice, 100% unsweetened cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Alex adapted a cranberry Manhattan by keeping the vermouth and adding orange juice to reduce booziness, producing a sweet-tart profile with a bourbon finish. The cocktail fits fall and winter entertaining like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Recommended bourbon choices include mid-range bottles such as Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch, or Woodford Reserve. Use 100% cranberry juice for best flavor and color; if using sweetened cranberry juice, omit or adjust the simple syrup to taste.

Read at A Couple Cooks