Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash

Introduction Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash

If your idea of holiday cheer includes strong drinks, bold flavors, and a little mischief, then Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash is your kind of Christmas cocktail. This isn’t your average sweet holiday punch—it’s a spiced-up, citrus-twisted bourbon cocktail that packs a festive punch.

With warming bourbon, tart cranberry, and zippy lemon, it’s the kind of drink Santa himself might pour after a long night of sleighing. It’s simple to make, impossible to forget, and absolutely perfect for cozy December nights or big Christmas parties with bourbon lovers in the mix.

So if you’ve been good this year (or even if you haven’t), this cocktail is your reward.

What Is a Bourbon Smash?

Traditionally, a bourbon smash is a cocktail built on bourbon, citrus, and herbs—usually mint or lemon—and served over crushed ice. It’s bold yet refreshing, kind of like a cross between a julep and a sour.

Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash takes that basic blueprint and gives it a festive twist:

• Cranberry juice stands in for fresh fruit
• Lemon juice brightens everything up
• It’s shaken hard and poured over ice for a chill, sippable finish

Think of it as the winter cousin of the whiskey sour—with more depth, more personality, and just the right amount of holiday cheer.

Flavor Profile

This cocktail strikes a beautiful balance between rich and refreshing, perfect for those who like their holiday drinks a little more grown-up.

• Bourbon brings warm caramel, oak, and spice
• Cranberry juice adds tartness and a hint of sweetness
• Lemon juice brightens the drink with citrus snap
• Over ice, it’s clean and crisp—not heavy or creamy

You’re left with a cocktail that’s:

• Slightly sweet
• Subtly sour
• Deeply warming
• Bright enough to enjoy again and again

Ingredients at a Glance

You only need three ingredients to create Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each component plays a key role in building the perfect flavor.

🥃 Bourbon

The backbone of the cocktail.

• Provides warmth, depth, and a little sweetness.
• Brings that signature oak and vanilla note that sets the tone.
• Choose something mid-shelf—you don’t need your best bottle, but you want something smooth.

🍒 Cranberry Juice

The holiday twist.

• Adds tartness and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Gives the drink its festive red hue.
• Choose 100% cranberry juice if you want it more tart and bold, or use cranberry cocktail for a softer, sweeter version.

🍋 Lemon Juice

The spark.

• Fresh lemon juice cuts through the bourbon’s richness.
• Balances the cranberry’s tartness.
• Makes the drink brighter and more refreshing.

🍬 Optional Add-ins for Holiday Flair:

• Maple syrup for warmth and depth
• Cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch
• Mint or rosemary for a herbal twist
• Orange bitters for complexity

This drink’s structure is solid, but it leaves room for creativity if you’re feeling festive.

Choosing the Right Bourbon

The bourbon you choose will determine just how bold or smooth your drink feels. Since this cocktail doesn’t rely on added sugar or mixers to cover flaws, you want a bourbon that stands up well on its own.

✅ Best Bourbon Styles for This Drink:

• Smooth and vanilla-forward bourbons work great (like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve).
• High-rye bourbons add spice and complexity (like Bulleit or Four Roses).
• Avoid anything too smoky or peated—those flavors can overpower the cranberry and lemon.

🏷️ Recommended Brands:

Budget-Friendly	Mid-Shelf	Splurge-Worthy
Evan Williams	Bulleit	Blanton’s
Old Forester	Maker’s Mark	Woodford Double Oaked
Jim Beam	Elijah Craig	Basil Hayden’s

Keep in mind—the better the bourbon, the better the smash.

Why Cranberry Juice Works So Well

Cranberry juice is one of the most underused mixers in bourbon cocktails—and it deserves better. Here’s why it shines in this recipe:

🍷 The Benefits:

• Its tart acidity balances out the warmth of bourbon beautifully.
• Adds a splash of holiday color without being cloying.
• It plays well with both citrus and oak.

🍹 100% Juice vs. Cranberry Cocktail:

• 100% cranberry juice is tart, bold, and intense—great for drinkers who like their cocktails dry.
• Cranberry cocktail is sweeter and more approachable—ideal for party settings or newer bourbon drinkers.

Choose based on how tart or sweet you want the final cocktail to be.

The Importance of Lemon Juice

Never underestimate the power of fresh lemon juice in a cocktail like this. It’s the secret to balancing the deep flavors of bourbon and cranberry. It also gives the drink that zing that keeps you coming back for another sip.

🍋 Why It Matters:

• Brightens the drink and brings all flavors together.
• Cuts through the heaviness of the bourbon.
• Adds just enough sour edge to make the drink dynamic and lively.

🧃 Fresh vs. Bottled Juice:

Always, always go with fresh lemon juice. The bottled stuff is too sharp, often bitter, and lacks that crisp citrus bite. One lemon will give you about 1 to 1½ oz of juice—plenty for one cocktail.

If you’re making this in batches (which we’ll get to), juice a few lemons ahead of time and store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash

Alright, time to get mixing. This cocktail is quick and easy, but a few smart techniques make a huge difference.

🎅 Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Chill your glass
   Fill a rocks glass with ice water and set aside while you make the drink.
2. Add all ingredients to a shaker
   In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, cranberry juice, and fresh lemon juice. Add a handful of ice.
3. Shake hard
   Shake for 15 seconds—you want the shaker to feel ice-cold and a little frosted on the outside.
4. Dump the ice water and strain
   Empty your rocks glass, fill it with fresh ice, and strain the cocktail over the top.
5. Garnish (optional but encouraged)
   Add a sprig of rosemary, a twist of lemon peel, or a few sugared cranberries for festive flair.

🧊 Pro Tips:

• For a slightly sweeter version, add ¼ oz of maple syrup or simple syrup.
• For a spicier twist, dash in a few drops of orange or aromatic bitters.
• Use clear ice for a crystal-clear presentation (and slower melting).

This drink is a total holiday crowd-pleaser—it’s punchy, festive, and ready in under two minutes.

Garnishing for Holiday Impact

Garnishes aren’t just for show—they add aroma and elegance. A well-done garnish takes your cocktail from good to unforgettable.

🎄 Top Garnish Ideas for Santa’s Smash:

Garnish	Why It Works
Sugared cranberries	Adds sparkle and visual flair
Sprig of rosemary	Looks like a mini Christmas tree and smells amazing
Orange or lemon peel twist	Brings a citrus aroma to the forefront
Cinnamon stick	Adds warmth and acts as a swizzle stick
Star anise	Unique, aromatic, and oh-so holiday-chic

You can rim the glass with crushed candy cane, cinnamon sugar, or even salted sugar if you want to get creative.

Glassware and Serving Style

The presentation of your cocktail says just as much as the flavor—especially during the holidays. For Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash, go with something that shows off its deep, festive hue and allows room for fresh ice and garnish.

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🥃 Best Glassware Options:

• Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass):
  The most classic and comfortable choice. It’s wide enough for ice and garnishes and fits the bourbon-forward style of the drink perfectly.
• Stemless wine glass:
  For a more modern, casual feel.
• Double Old Fashioned glass:
  Ideal if you’re serving this in a larger format or want room for crushed ice and bigger garnishes like orange wheels or rosemary sprigs.

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🧊 How to Serve:

• Always serve over fresh ice—never reuse the shaker ice.
• Use clear ice cubes if possible—they melt slower and elevate the visual appeal.
• Serve with garnish immediately after shaking to preserve the cold, frosty finish.

This drink is made to sip, not shoot—perfect for sitting fireside, wrapping presents, or telling stories around the tree.

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Mocktail Version for Non-Drinkers

Hosting guests who don’t drink? You can still serve a festive and delicious version of Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash without the booze. It’ll look the same and offer a bright, tangy holiday flavor.

🎁 Mocktail Version: “Santa’s Sober Smash”

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz spiced herbal tea (like cinnamon or rooibos) or apple juice
• Splash of soda water or ginger ale (optional for fizz)

Instructions:

1. Add juice and tea to a shaker with ice and shake hard.
2. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
3. Top with soda water if desired.
4. Garnish with rosemary or sugared cranberries.

It’s the same visual and flavor experience—just without the alcohol. Great for kids, expecting moms, or designated drivers.

Creative Variations on the Classic

Want to take the Polar Bear—oops, I mean Santa’s Smash—to the next level or change it up for a second round? Try these easy variations that add complexity without complicating the process.

🍁 Maple Bourbon Smash

• Add ½ oz pure maple syrup for depth and sweetness.
• Garnish with an orange peel and cinnamon stick.

🌿 Herbal Holiday Smash

• Muddle fresh rosemary or mint in the shaker before adding other ingredients.
• Adds earthy aroma and freshness.

🔥 Ginger-Cranberry Smash

• Add ½ oz ginger syrup or a splash of ginger beer on top.
• A spicy kick that plays perfectly with bourbon.

🍊 Citrus Smash

• Swap lemon for fresh orange juice or add a splash of grapefruit juice.
• Brighter, fruitier, and a little less tart.

Pairing Santa’s Smash with Holiday Bites

The beauty of Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash is that it doesn’t overpower food—it complements it. Whether you’re hosting a holiday cocktail party, pre-dinner drinks, or an after-hours fireside snack session, this cocktail plays nicely with a wide range of holiday favorites

Savory Pairings:

• Charcuterie Board:
  The boldness of bourbon pairs beautifully with aged cheeses (like sharp cheddar or gouda), cured meats (salami, prosciutto), and tart dried fruits (cranberries, figs).
• Stuffed Mushrooms or Brie Bites:
  Earthy and creamy appetizers are elevated by the cocktail’s bright acidity.
• Spiced Nuts:
  The salt and spice in rosemary almonds or candied pecans highlight the sweetness of the cranberry.
• Mini Meatballs or Glazed Ham Sliders:
  The cocktail’s tartness cuts through the rich glaze or fatty meats, offering balance.

Sweet Pairings:

• Cranberry Orange Scones or Cookies:
  Reinforces the cranberry in the drink and adds a buttery note.
• Molasses or Gingerbread Cookies:
  The spices in these cookies make the bourbon’s warmth pop even more.
• Dark Chocolate Truffles:
  A surprisingly good match—the citrus cuts the richness of the chocolate while bourbon holds up against the bitterness.
• Fruitcake (yes, really):
  The acidity and oakiness in the cocktail tame the sweetness and density of a traditional fruitcake.

This is one of those cocktails that bridges sweet and savory perfectly, making it a no-brainer for holiday menus.

Make-Ahead & Batch Tips

If you’re planning to serve Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash at a party, batching it in advance is a major timesaver. The trick is keeping it cold and well-balanced without the dilution you’d get from shaking.

🍹 Batch Recipe (Serves 8):

Ingredient	Amount
Bourbon	2 cups (16 oz)
Cranberry juice	1 cup (8 oz)
Lemon juice	½ cup (4 oz)
Optional: Maple syrup	¼ cup (2 oz)

• Mix everything in a pitcher or punch bowl.
• Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 24 hours).
• When serving, pour over fresh ice in individual glasses.
• Garnish each with rosemary or cranberries for flair.

Optional: Add a splash of soda water or ginger ale to each serving if you want some fizz.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This drink is easy to make, but it’s also easy to get wrong if you’re not paying attention to the details. Here’s what to avoid:

❌ Using low-quality bourbon

• Harsh, unbalanced bourbon ruins the drink’s flavor.
• Even if it’s masked a bit by juice, bad bourbon is bad bourbon.

❌ Using bottled lemon juice

• The taste is metallic and flat—fresh lemon juice gives a bright, clean acidity you can’t fake.

❌ Over-diluting the drink

• If you leave the cocktail in the shaker too long or use crushed ice, it’ll taste watery.
• Shake just enough to chill and dilute slightly—no more.

❌ Under-shaking

• Bourbon, cranberry, and lemon need to really mix. Give it a hard shake—this isn’t a martini, it’s a smash.

❌ Not balancing tartness and sweetness

• Taste your cranberry juice—if it’s super tart, add a splash of simple syrup or maple syrup to smooth things out.

When to Serve It

This drink is as flexible as it is festive, making it perfect for:

• Christmas Eve nightcaps by the fire
• Holiday brunches (especially if you add a little fizz)
• Pre-dinner cocktails before a roast or ham
• New Year’s Eve for a classy, bold alternative to Champagne
• Cold winter nights when you want something warming, not creamy

Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash is seasonal but not gimmicky, and works well long after the last present is unwrapped.

Conclusion

Santa’s Double Bourbon Smash is a holiday cocktail with real character. It’s strong without being harsh, festive without being overly sweet, and refreshingly different from the typical eggnogs and sugar-cookie martinis flooding the season.

With just a few simple ingredients—bourbon, cranberry, and lemon—you can craft a drink that feels upscale and comforting at the same time. And whether you’re sipping solo or batching it for a crowd, it’s a guaranteed way to bring some extra cheer to your holiday season.

So grab your shaker, pour that bourbon with purpose, and make this your new Christmas classic.

Cheers to bold flavor, festive vibes, and drinks that even Santa would sip twice. 🥃🎄

FAQs

1. Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Yes! Rye whiskey adds a bit more spice and less sweetness than bourbon. It’ll give the cocktail a sharper, more peppery finish, which works great with the cranberry.

2. Is this drink sweet or sour?
It’s balanced—a little sweet from the cranberry, a little sour from the lemon, and rich from the bourbon. You can adjust with maple syrup or simple syrup to lean sweeter if you like.

3. Can I serve it warm?
Technically yes, but it’s best served cold over ice. Warming changes the flavor balance and reduces the refreshing quality. If you want a warm bourbon drink, go for a Hot Toddy instead.

4. How long does it last pre-mixed?
If you mix the cocktail without ice, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Always shake or stir with fresh ice before serving for best results.

5. Can I add soda water or ginger ale?
Absolutely! Add a splash of soda water for a lighter, fizzier drink or ginger ale for a sweet, spicy twist.

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