A Cranberry Boulevardier is a festive holiday twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. Built around an easy homemade cranberry shrub, this version is bright, tangy, and full of flavor. It’s an ideal cocktail to serve before any holiday meal this season.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Breckenridge Distillery. All opinions and the recipe are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife.
Christmas is coming — and with it the warm anticipation of gatherings, cozy nights, and festive flavors.
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Are you just so over-the-moon, leaping-out-of-your-socks, jumping-with-joy excited?!
I feel giddy with the holiday spirit. The thrill of celebrating with family and friends, the sparkle in the air when I step outside, and the general cheerfulness all bring me straight back to the simple joy of childhood.
Now that I’m an adult, I also enjoy a well-made cocktail to welcome the season.
WOOT.
I’ve recently become fond of the classic Boulevardier. It’s rich and sultry, with a warm whiskey finish that lingers just enough. What’s not to love?
Traditionally made with rye, I’ve been experimenting with Breckenridge Distillery bourbon and find it a perfect match. The bourbon is smooth yet lively, which complements the Boulevardier’s bitter and sweet elements.
Breckenridge Distillery bourbon has a rich, bold flavor profile that stands up nicely in this cocktail. Its depth makes this holiday Boulevardier feel more robust and festive.
Adding a homemade cranberry shrub brightens the Boulevardier for the holidays. The shrub’s tartness balances the bourbon’s richness and the bitter notes from Campari, yielding a refreshing, well-rounded cocktail.
I enjoy serving these as a pre-dinner aperitif to wake up the palate.
They pair especially well with meats and cheeses, cleansing the palate between tastings.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Don’t forget to explore other holiday recipes shared during the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways. Here are a few featured posts from the series:
One – Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Two – Gingerbread Challah Bread
Three – Mini Beef Wellingtons
Four – Bourbon Gingerbread Punch
Five – Twice-Baked Chicken Shawarma Stuffed Potatoes
Six – Head Country BBQ Prize Pack
Seven – White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Eight – Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria
Nine – How to Make Craft Beer Cocktails, Part One
Ten – Salmon Chowder
Eleven – Cranberry Boulevardier
This Recipe’s Must Haves
To recreate the look in these photos, use coupe glasses. A mixing glass and bar spoon make stirring elegant and easy. You’ll also want a saucepan to prepare the cranberry spice shrub.
Cranberry Boulevardier
ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 8 cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 oz. Breckenridge Distillery Bourbon Whiskey
- 3/4 oz homemade cranberry shrub
- 1/2 oz. Campari
- 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
- 1 orange or lemon peel
instructions
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To make the cranberry shrub, combine water, cranberries, sugar, cloves, and cardamom in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently until the cranberries are soft, about 8 minutes.
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Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a jar. Use the back of a spoon to press the cranberries and extract as much liquid as possible without pushing solids through.
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Stir in the apple cider vinegar, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. The shrub will keep in the refrigerator for several months.
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To assemble the cocktail, combine bourbon, cranberry shrub, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass or empty cocktail shaker with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange or lemon twist.