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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Dec 6, 2018 · Modified: Dec 16, 2021 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Jump to Recipe

The holidays are here, so let’s get into a festive spirit with this chai-cranberry bourbon smash! Made with a brown sugar-chai simple syrup and freshly muddled rosemary, this cranberry bourbon cocktail is full of warm flavors that are perfect for this time of year. When you need a cocktail that’s full of holiday cheer, you can’t go wrong with this cozy sipper.

A cranberry bourbon smash with Christmas decor and a bottle of bourbon in the background.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Need Some Merry Cocktails in Your Life?
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

All things holidays inspired: With the warming bourbon, cranberries, rosemary and chai spice, everything about this cocktail makes for the perfect signature holiday cocktail. This drink will definitely add a cheery note to any holiday gathering.

That fizzy spice kick: For an extra special, elegant touch, we top this cocktail with ginger ale. I just love how it adds some sparkle to the holiday along with some delicious ginger notes.

Fresh ingredients: Cranberry juice works great in cocktails, like my sparkling cranberry-ginger margarita and Sugar Plum Fairy Martini, but there's something extra special about enjoying fresh cranberries while they're in season. Plus, we use fresh rosemary for a lovely fragrance and flavor boost with real lime wedges for the perfect citrusy touch.

Bonus: For more holiday fun, check out my collections on best Thanksgiving cocktails and signature Christmas cocktails.

Ingredients

The ingredients on a wooden panel with black and white labels.

Bourbon: For this chai-cranberry bourbon smash, I tested it using Redwood Empire, which is a blend of 60 percent rye and 40 percent bourbon from Graton Distilling Co., located just west of Sonoma County, California. Graton Distilling ages the blend in port, wine and American oak barrels, making for a bourbon with a slightly spicy character. After the initial spice hits, the bourbon finishes with smooth vanilla and caramel notes.

That said, feel free to use your favorite mid-range bourbon. I've also made it with Maker's Mark and have no doubt it'd be just as wonderful with other options.

Brown sugar-chai simple syrup: Get this brown sugar-chai simple syrup recipe right here on Burrata and Bubbles. It makes the most delicious cocktails, and I've even used it to make homemade lattes -- so divine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Grab your cocktail shaker and add the brown sugar-chai simple syrup with fresh cranberries, lime wedges and rosemary (photo 1) and muddle until the cranberries break down like so (photo 2).

Muddling the cranberries, lime, simple syrup and rosemary in a cocktail shaker until they break down.

Step 2: After we muddle, it's time to add the most important ingredient of all: bourbon (photo 3). We also toss in a handful of ice (photo 4).

A collage showing the process of adding the bourbon and ice to a cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Now we shake everything together (photo 5) and strain into ice-filled glasses like so (photo 6).

A collage showing the process of shaking and straining the cocktail into a glass.

Step 4: For our final step, we top our chai-cranberry bourbon smash with ginger ale for a delightful fizzy kick (photo 7).

Pouring a splash of ginger ale into the drink before serving.

For an optional garnish, I like to add a sprig of rosemary. Not only is this a nod to the drink's ingredients but rosemary also looks like small Christmas tree branches. And that's just fun.

Now sip and enjoy this festive holiday bourbon smash!

Looking down on two bourbon cranberry smashes on a piece of burlap.

Recipe FAQs

What makes a drink a smash?

To make an authentic smash, you must muddle a spirit, herb, sugar or syrup, and seasonal fruit. Sometimes I see recipes called smashes that don't call for muddling or use those ingredients, and I'm always a bit confused. With muddling, we are literally smashing our drink, hence the name.

Can you make this drink in a pitcher ahead of time?

Sure, you basically have two options here. If you don't mind having fruit bits in the drink, you can make a large batch in the pitcher and then add the ginger ale right before serving. However, if you'd prefer a strained drink, I recommend muddling everything in a mixing bowl and then passing through a fine-mesh sieve. The drink will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and you can find proportions in the notes section of the recipe card.

Can you substitute bourbon for another liquor?

While we both might love bourbon, a friend or family member might not share our affinity. If that's the case, you can substitute another liquor, and my first recommendation is a dark rum instead. A reposado or anejo tequila both spend time aging in oak barrels and would also be delicious.

Expert Tips

  • Use a little muscle when muddling to properly break down these ingredients. While some smash cocktails are made with softer herbs and fruit, this does take a little more pressure.
  • Once you make the chai-brown sugar simple syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last several weeks.
  • For the proper cocktail shaking technique, make sure you use both hands to get enough force to agitate the mixture.

Perfect Pairing

With it being the holidays, we need a festive meal to go along with this chai-cranberry bourbon smash, and my holiday roasted duck is perfect. Duck is such a rich meat that it holds up to the bourbon well, and it's served with a cranberry-orange glaze that pairs beautifully with the warm spice.

I hope you get into the holiday spirit and try this chai-cranberry bourbon smash. You will feel oh-so festive sipping on this delicious holiday cocktail.

Cheers!

Two cranberry bourbon smash cocktails with holiday decor around them.

Need Some Merry Cocktails in Your Life?

  • Cranberry-Apple Cider Holiday Sangria
  • Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita
  • Thanksgiving Mimosa With Spiced Orange Juice
  • Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

A cranberry bourbon smash with Christmas decor and a bottle of bourbon in the background.

Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Liven up your holiday party with this chai-cranberry bourbon smash. Full of warm spice, this cocktail will have you feeling the holiday spirit in no time.
5 from 86 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 297kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Muddler

Ingredients

Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 chai tea bag

Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash

  • ¼ cup whole cranberries
  • 1 ounce brown sugar-chai simple syrup
  • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs divided
  • ½ lime cut into wedges
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • Ice
  • Splash of ginger ale

Instructions

Brown Sugar-Chai Simple Syrup

  • In a small saucepan, bring water and brown sugar to a low boil. Stir every so often to help dissolve the brown sugar.
  • Once the brown sugar comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves, remove from heat. Add chai tea bag and allow to steep for five to 10 minutes. Remove the tea bag and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle cranberries, brown sugar-chai simple syrup, one rosemary sprig and lime wedges until the cranberries and lime break down.
  • Add bourbon and a handful of ice. Place the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-30 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses.
  • Pour in a splash of ginger ale and gently stir. Garnish with the remaining rosemary sprig. Enjoy!

Notes

To make an eight-serving pitcher, muddle 2 cups cranberries, 1 cup brown sugar-chai simple syrup, 4 limes and 10-16 rosemary sprigs. You can muddle directly in the pitcher if you don't mind fresh fruit bits. Otherwise, muddle in a mixing bowl and pass through a fine-mesh sieve to strain, pressing down while straining and pour the strained liquid into a pitcher with 2 cups bourbon. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Right before serving, stir in 1 cup ginger ale.
  • Use a little muscle when muddling to properly break down these ingredients. While some smash cocktails are made with softer herbs and fruit, this does take a little more pressure.
  • Once you make the chai-brown sugar simple syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last several weeks.
  • For the proper cocktail shaking technique, make sure you use to hands to get enough force to agitate the mixture.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Sodium: 7mg | Sugar: 33g
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Chandice Probst says

    November 14, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    What a flavorful fall cocktail! Such easy instructions and simple ingredients too…thanks so much!

    Reply
  2. Adriana says

    November 13, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    5 stars
    Bourbon is one of my favorite hard liquors; I am amazed about the combination with chai creative and incredibly tasty.

    Reply
  3. Heather says

    November 12, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    what a spicy twist on chai spices with the rosemary and bourbon is so soothing this time of year

    Reply
  4. Ann says

    November 12, 2021 at 6:14 am

    5 stars
    This sounds like the perfect cocktail for the holidays! I'm not usually a bourbon drinker but the cranberry in here would definitely make it a go-to for me!

    Reply
  5. Marcellina says

    November 10, 2021 at 11:40 pm

    5 stars
    I'm just loving this cocktail and particular enjoy the addition of chai. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 11, 2021 at 7:08 am

      It really does add such a wonderful flavor for the holidays!

      Reply
  6. Megan Ellam says

    November 10, 2021 at 9:13 pm

    5 stars
    I am so excited to try this recipe. Thanks for the best cocktail recipes on the internet!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 11, 2021 at 7:07 am

      Awwww, thanks so much, Megan! I'm so happy that you always enjoy them. 😀

      Reply
  7. Marta says

    November 09, 2021 at 5:21 pm

    5 stars
    My gosh! So many great flavors in this cocktail! I loved the chai twist to it.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 09, 2021 at 7:00 pm

      It really adds the best flavor!

      Reply
  8. nancy says

    November 09, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    i made this after the kids went to bed last night and I think we'll be making this again on the weekend! so good!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 09, 2021 at 7:00 pm

      Sounds like you have a fun weekend ahead of you! Cheers!

      Reply
  9. Lauren Schmidt says

    December 02, 2019 at 2:04 am

    5 stars
    Made this tonight with my husband. We will be making these regularly this holiday season! They were soooo good!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 02, 2019 at 7:09 pm

      I love hearing this, Lauren! So glad you two enjoyed it. Cheers!

      Reply
  10. Stephanie Simmons says

    December 20, 2018 at 10:44 pm

    This is a gorgeous holiday cocktail for certain! I'd love to try this out for our Christmas party 🙂

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 21, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      Oh, I hope you do! It’d be perfect for the occasion.

      Reply
  11. Chef Mireille says

    December 13, 2018 at 1:37 am

    5 stars
    the flavors of chai in anything makes me an instant fan and I am sure I would love this cocktail!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 14, 2018 at 5:26 pm

      I hope you try it and love it!

      Reply
  12. Kari Heron says

    December 11, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    This looks like a really fun holiday cocktail! Chai, bourbon and cranberry. Love the colour too. Beautiful photography 😀

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 14, 2018 at 5:26 pm

      Thanks so much! Holiday cocktails are always fun to shoot. ?

      Reply
  13. Gingey Bites says

    December 11, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    This sounds lovely, and very festive. My other half is a bourbon fan so I'm sure he'd love to try it!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      I hope he does! I'm sure he'll love it.

      Reply
  14. Krista Price says

    December 11, 2018 at 12:39 am

    5 stars
    I'm loving all of these festive cocktail recipes! There are so many amazing flavors in this one! Rosemary and bourbon are a match made in craft cocktail heaven. You really nailed it with this one!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      'Tis the season as they say! ??

      Reply
  15. Renu says

    December 10, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    5 stars
    Bourbon with Rosemary looks an awesome combination. A must try for the Christmas party this year. The pics are just mind blowing.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 11, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you! I really appreciate that.

      Reply
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Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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