This Cranberry Eggnog Sour is the ultimate holiday cocktail—creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough!
It’s perfect for sipping by the fire, hosting a festive gathering, or even pairing with Christmas cookies.
The combination of rich eggnog, tart cranberry, and a little zing of lemon is pure magic.
Plus, it’s easy to whip up and feels super fancy without being fussy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every holiday season!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 oz eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1 oz bourbon (or rum if you prefer)
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (for frothiness, optional but recommended)
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
- Garnishes: sugared cranberries, lemon twist, sprinkle of nutmeg
Pro Tips
- Frothy Finish: Don’t skip the egg white—it’s what gives this drink that beautiful creamy foam on top!
- Sugared Cranberries: Roll cranberries in simple syrup, then in sugar for a sparkly, festive garnish.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with ½ oz simple syrup, but feel free to add more if you like it sweeter.
- Make it Kid-Friendly: Skip the alcohol for a festive cranberry eggnog mocktail!
- Chill Everything: Use cold eggnog and juice so the drink stays frosty without too much ice dilution.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger (or measuring tools)
- Citrus juicer
- Rocks glass
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap bourbon for rum, brandy, or even amaretto for a unique twist.
- Use sweetened cranberry juice if that’s what you have—just adjust the simple syrup.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of sparkling water for fizz.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the cranberry juice, eggnog, and lemon juice together and store in the fridge for up to a day. Shake with ice and alcohol when ready to serve.
- Prep sugared cranberries in advance—they can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cocktail Shaker
Add eggnog, cranberry juice, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into the shaker (no ice yet).
2. Dry Shake
Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to froth the egg white.
3. Add Ice and Shake Again
Open the shaker, add ice cubes, and shake again for another 15 seconds to chill the drink.
4. Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass.
5. Garnish
Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a lemon twist, and a few sugared cranberries. Serve immediately!
Leftovers and Storage
- This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh! If you have leftover mix (without the egg white), store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and shake with ice before serving.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Eggnog Sour is the perfect way to toast to the holiday season! Whether you’re celebrating with friends or treating yourself to a festive drink, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions. Cheers to a cozy, delicious holiday! 🎄🍸
