Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Seasonal, sexy, and just strong enough to keep you from side-eyeing your cousin who brought Tupperware to dinner. Again.

Every Southern gathering has two things: something baked in a casserole dish and a drink strong enough to smooth out the chaos. Enter: the Cranberry Bourbon Smash. It’s tart, lightly sweet, and kissed with orange and rosemary—basically Thanksgiving in a glass, but with enough kick to make it interesting.

Serve it at cocktail hour, pass it around while the turkey rests, or sip it solo when the house finally quiets down. However you pour it, this drink does not miss.

🍹 Servings:

Makes 1 cocktail (easily multiplied for a crowd or pitcher)

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or low sugar preferred)

• 1/2 oz fresh orange juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)

• A few fresh cranberries (for muddling + garnish)

• 1 rosemary sprig (for garnish + optional muddling)

• Orange slice or peel (optional garnish)

• Ice (crushed or cubed)

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Muddle the magic:
In a shaker or sturdy glass, muddle a few fresh cranberries with the simple syrup and rosemary (if you like an herby note).

2. Add the liquids:
Pour in the bourbon, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Add ice and shake it up like you mean it.

3. Strain & serve:
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with extra cranberries, an orange twist, and a sprig of rosemary if you’re feelin’ fancy.

📝 Southern Tip:

Make a pitcher for the party.
Multiply the recipe by 4 or 6 and mix everything except the ice and garnishes. Keep chilled and pour over ice as guests arrive. Easy, elegant, and no need to play bartender all night.

💡 Pair It With:

• Deviled eggs

• Baked brie

• Leftover stuffing (we don’t judge)

• A quiet room and a long exhale

With bourbon in my glass and gratitude in my heart,
Southern Charm Style 🥂

Lilly-