Description
This Bourbon Valentine’s Day cocktail is a smooth and slightly sweet drink perfectly balanced with tart cranberry and fresh citrus flavors. Featuring a romantic ruby-red color and a warm bourbon finish, it is an elegant and festive choice for date nights or Valentine’s Day celebrations. A non-alcoholic mocktail version is also included for those seeking a refreshing alternative.
Ingredients
Cocktail Version (21+)
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (or honey syrup)
- Ice
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange peel
- Rosemary sprig
- Heart-shaped ice cubes
Mocktail Version (No Alcohol)
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Sparkling water or ginger ale
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture properly.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz cranberry juice, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup or honey syrup into the shaker.
- Shake Well: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes to keep the cocktail cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Garnish: Garnish the drink with fresh cranberries, a twist of orange peel, a rosemary sprig, or heart-shaped ice cubes to enhance presentation and aroma. Serve immediately.
- Mocktail Preparation: In a glass filled with ice, add ½ cup cranberry juice, ½ oz lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup.
- Add Sparkling Water: Top the glass with sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing fizz.
- Stir and Garnish: Stir gently to combine flavors and garnish as desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup or honey syrup according to your taste preference.
- For a deeper red color and different flavor profile, swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice.
- Chilling the serving glasses before use adds a polished, professional touch to your presentation.
- This cocktail makes a perfect signature drink for Valentine’s Day or romantic occasions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink · Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
