Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on the table — it’s about what’s in your glass. As the oven hums, the laughter builds, and the scent of roasted herbs fills the house, a cocktail like the Orange Cranberry Bourbon Smash feels right at home.
Equal parts festive and refined, this drink is a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and warming spice. The bourbon brings richness and depth, while cranberry and orange brighten the mix with a sparkle of citrus and ruby-red hue. Add a sprig of rosemary and a splash of ginger ale, and suddenly you have the kind of cocktail that could make even the cranberry sauce jealous.
It’s a Thanksgiving classic reimagined — simple, aromatic, and unapologetically celebratory.
The Story Behind the Drink
This cocktail captures the essence of late autumn in a glass: woodsy rosemary, golden bourbon, tart cranberry, and a hint of honey. It’s a mashup of flavors that somehow feels both rustic and elegant — the kind of drink that looks at home beside the turkey as easily as it does by the fire afterward.
Traditionally, a “smash” is a flexible cocktail — part muddled fruit, part spirit, part seasonal flair. This version leans into Thanksgiving’s best flavors, using cranberry sauce (yes, the jellied kind from the can) for sweetness and texture. The result is refreshingly nostalgic and delightfully unexpected.
And the best part? You can make one for yourself while cooking — or mix up a pitcher to greet guests as they arrive.
Ingredients
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1½ ounces bourbon (1 shot)
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1½ ounces orange juice (1 shot)
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1 tablespoon jellied cranberry sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1½ ounces 100% cranberry juice (1 shot)
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½ sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
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1 splash ginger ale
Directions
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Combine the base.
In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, orange juice, cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, honey, and chopped rosemary. -
Muddle gently.
Using a muddler, press the ingredients together to blend the flavors and release the rosemary’s aroma. -
Shake and strain.
Add ice, shake well, and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. -
Top and garnish.
Finish with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with a rosemary sprig or a twist of orange peel for extra holiday flair.
Notes from Our Bar
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Use good bourbon. This drink’s simplicity means quality matters — smooth, rich bourbon makes all the difference.
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Make it a batch. Multiply the ingredients for a crowd, skipping the ice until serving.
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Play with flavor. Swap honey for maple syrup or add a dash of bitters for more complexity.
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Non-alcoholic version: Skip the bourbon and use spiced cider — it’s just as festive.
Perfect Pairings
Whether you’re sipping this cocktail before dinner or savoring it after dessert, a great drink deserves company. Here are four Vinodivino favorites that share its balance of warmth, spice, and cheer.
Stormalong Happy Holiday Spiced Cider
This small-batch cider from Massachusetts bursts with notes of baked apple, cinnamon, and clove — a cozy complement to the bourbon’s caramel richness. Enjoy it alongside the cocktail or as a non-spirit alternative.
Exhibit A Brewing Company “Briefcase Porter”
Rich and malty with hints of chocolate and espresso, this porter mirrors the smoky undertones of the bourbon while adding depth to the cranberry’s brightness. It’s a festive sipper for the beer lover in the room.
Donne Fittipaldi Bolgheri Rosso DOC
Elegant and structured, this Tuscan red offers ripe cherry, tobacco, and spice that harmonize beautifully with the cocktail’s warming notes. It’s a versatile bottle that works from the first toast through dessert.
High West Bourbon
A modern classic from Utah, this bourbon delivers vanilla, caramel, and oak in perfect balance — the ideal base spirit for your smash or a sip neat by the fire after dinner.
A Toast to the Season
Thanksgiving is all about warmth — not just from the oven, but from the company and the glasses we raise. The Orange Cranberry Bourbon Smash captures that spirit perfectly: bold, comforting, and joyfully seasonal.
Serve it with a smile, a sprig of rosemary, and a toast to the people who make the season so rich.
Find these bottles and more at your local Vinodivino.
