Whiskey Cherry Cranberry Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use fresh ice and chill your glass before pouring to keep the drink cold longer and prevent over-dilution.
• Measure precisely with a jigger—the 1.5:0.5:1 ratio balances whiskey strength, cherry sweetness, and cranberry tartness.
• Stir gently with ice for 10–15 seconds rather than shaking to preserve the silky mouthfeel of blended whiskey.
• Taste as you go if substituting brandy brands; cherry liqueurs vary in sweetness and may require slight juice adjustment.

Substitutions

• Old Thompson Blended Whiskey → any accessible blended whiskey like Seagram's or Canadian Club (no flavor change)
• Wild Cherry Flavored Brandy → cherry liqueur like Luxardo Maraschino or cherry curaçao (adjust sweetness; may need less juice)
• Cranberry Juice → pomegranate juice (similar tartness and color) or 1 oz cranberry + 0.5 oz lime juice (brighter acidity)

Storage & make-ahead

This is a serve-fresh cocktail. Mix individual drinks as ordered, or batch the spirit blend up to 5 days ahead and pour over fresh ice when serving.

Equipment

jigger · rocks glass · bar spoon or cocktail stirrer · ice

Can I make this cocktail without brandy?

Yes. Omit the cherry brandy and increase cranberry juice by 0.5 oz, or add 0.5 oz cherry liqueur (like cherry curaçao) for sweetness.

Should this drink be served cold?

Yes. Serve over ice in a rocks glass, or chill the glass beforehand and strain into it up for a silkier presentation.

What type of cranberry juice works best?

Use unsweetened cranberry juice for proper balance. Sweetened varieties will make the drink too sugary.

Can I batch this cocktail ahead?

Yes. Mix whiskey, brandy, and cranberry juice in a bottle and refrigerate up to 5 days. Pour over fresh ice when serving.

What's a good garnish for this drink?

A fresh cranberry, cherry, or twist of orange peel enhances both appearance and flavor.