Naughty but Nice Cocktail

If you’re looking for a new drink to serve at your next holiday or winter gathering, look no further than this Naughty but Nice cocktail. The sweet, tart and lightly spicy concoction combines bourbon whiskey with ginger syrup and a blend of cranberry and orange juices. A festive garnish of whole cranberries, a sprig of rosemary and an orange wedge make this cocktail especially festive for serving at any holiday get-together.

Naughty but Nice Cocktail Ingredients

• Bourbon: If you don’t know the difference between bourbon and whiskey, bourbon is a kind of whiskey—and for this festive cocktail, the caramel, oak and vanilla flavor profile of bourbon is the perfect “naughty” base. Use your favorite bourbon or experiment with other types of whiskey like Scotch, Irish or Japanese. A popular whiskey brand would be a great place to start.
• Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice adds a pop of red color as well as a sweet and tart flavor to the cocktail. Be sure to use 100% cranberry juice, not cranberry cocktail juice. You could also use pomegranate juice in place of cranberry juice.
• Orange juice: Orange juice adds a sweet citrus flavor to the cocktail. You can use freshly squeezed orange juice if you strain out any solids. Or, use a pulp-free bottle of juice from the store.
• Ginger simple syrup: Ginger simple syrup adds a kick of spice to this holiday cocktail. You can buy ginger syrup at many liquor stores, at well-stocked grocery stores or, of course, online. Otherwise, try your hand at making ginger-infused simple syrup at home.
• Whole cranberries: This mixed drink recipe uses whole cranberries as a garnish. You could also substitute pomegranate arils. If you purchase a whole pomegranate, learn how to remove seeds from a pomegranate for this recipe. Other garnish options include a sprig of fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick or an orange wedge.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice and ginger syrup to a shaker filled with ice.

Step 2: Shake to chill

Secure the cocktail shaker lid and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the cocktail is well chilled.

Step 3: Strain, garnish and serve

Strain the cocktail into a glass. Garnish with whole cranberries, a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick, then serve immediately.

SUSAN BRONSON FOR TASTE OF HOME

Naughty but Nice Cocktail Tips

SUSAN BRONSON FOR TASTE OF HOME

What’s the best type of glass to use for this cocktail?

When it comes to which cocktail glass to use to serve this cocktail, you have a few options. A classic choice is a rocks or old-fashioned glass, which is a short, cylinder-shaped tumbler. A stemless wine glass is another option. Using a vessel made from thicker glass will help the cocktail stay chilled longer.

How can you make a Naughty but Nice mocktail?

This cocktail recipe can easily be transformed into a mocktail by simply omitting the alcohol. For added fun and fizz, top with ginger beer, grapefruit soda, sparkling water or club soda.

How else can you garnish holiday drinks?

A fresh cocktail garnish adds extra pizzazz to any drink. We recommend a sprig of rosemary for a Christmas cocktail like this one because of its pine tree-like shape. An orange wedge will enhance the citrus flavors in a bourbon cocktail recipe as well. If you want to go beyond those, moisten the top edge of the glass and rim it with sugar crystals for a little sparkle. If you’ve got a cinnamon stick on hand already, add one to each glass for stirring.