Add Leftover Cranberry Sauce To Bourbon For The Ultimate Post-Thanksgiving Cocktail

More leftover cranberry sauce and bourbon cocktail tips

There are numerous ways to savor bourbon and cocktails made with leftover cranberry sauce, but using homemade sauce crafted from fresh fruit is the ideal choice for achieving the perfect balance of tartness and texture. While the gelatinous canned variety can suffice, it’s advisable to dilute it with some cranberry juice and a splash of lemon juice to enhance its flavor.

Feel free to experiment with the seasonings in your cranberry sauce: incorporating fresh ginger, substituting maple syrup or honey for sugar, or adding vanilla and cinnamon during the cooking process can beautifully complement the oaky, spiced notes of bourbon. Citrus fruits are particularly beneficial; by adding some juice and zest to your sauce, you can create a drink that resembles a lemon- or orange-cranberry bourbon smash.

Bourbon isn’t the only spirit that can enhance homemade cranberry sauce. Classic orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier and Cointreau are also excellent choices. Champagne, on the other hand, introduces a dry sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries. For a sophisticated twist on a classic, you can combine all these elements to create a cranberry version of the Seelbach cocktail by muddling your sauce with bourbon, Cointreau, and bitters, then topping it off with champagne. With bourbon and leftover cranberry sauce, a delightful cocktail is just a few shakes or stirs away.