Cranberry Rosemary Shrub Cocktail (Delicious Holiday Cocktail Recipe)

What’s in This Shrub Cocktail

This cranberry cocktail recipe may look chic, but it’s actually quite easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple bourbon cocktail (a full list of ingredients with their measurements are provided in the recipe card below).

• Cranberries — Both fresh and frozen will work! If using frozen, add them directly to the pan and expect the cook time to be a little longer.
• Apple Cider Vinegar — I prefer using a fruity vinegar so the cranberry shrub doesn’t taste too astringent.
• Granulated Sugar — Provides a neutral sweetness.
• Whole Spices — A cinnamon stick and black peppercorns infuse the shrub with warm flavor without overpowering the cranberries.
• Fresh Rosemary — This is one recipe where you really do need to use fresh. Dried rosemary will overwhelm the cranberries.
• Bourbon — We love the bourbon from Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve, and Angels’ Envy. (If you’re in Colorado too, try Laws Whiskey House, Distillery 291, or 10th Mountain!). 
• Seltzer — Shrub cocktails are nice and fizzy! I prefer using seltzer water for maximum bubbles.

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Shrub

It is super easy to make a shrub for cocktails. You’ll use an equal part vinegar, fruit, and sugar. Shrubs can be as simple as the vinegar + fruit + sugar, or you can add extra spices and herbs to enhance the flavor (that’s what I did!).

There are two different methods: hot method and cold method. This recipe uses the hot method.

1. In a 2 quart saucepan, combine the fruit, sugar, vinegar, rosemary and black peppercorn.
2. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then add the cinnamon stick.
3. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Strain and cool before using in your drink. 

Step 2: Make Your Cocktail

Once you’ve make the cranberry rosemary shrub, it is super easy to make this shrub cocktail recipe! You can make the rosemary cocktail as mild or strong as you prefer (just drink responsibly).

We liked the ratio of 2:1:1 for bourbon, shrub, and seltzer.

For ice, I love the really large cubes of ice, so I use a 2-inch ice cube mold, but you can use crushed ice or regular cubes if you prefer. You can serve this cranberry cocktail in any kind of glass, but we prefer a short tumbler such as a lowball glass. 

Garnish Ideas 

I don’t like to add too many garnishes to my shrub cocktail because the flavor is so delicious as and complex as is. However, some garnish ideas to try include: 

• Fresh or sugared cranberries on a cocktail pick
• Frozen cranberries (helps the drink stay cold!)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Cinnamon Stick
• Star Anise

Recipe Tips

How to Make a Batch Shrub Cocktail

Serving this cranberry cocktail in a punch bowl or drink dispenser is a great option for holiday parties. You can use the below measurements to build this shrub cocktail in a punch bowl:

To make 16 servings (approximately 1/2 cup each):

• 4 cups Bourbon
• 2 cups Cranberry Rosemary Shrub
• 2 cups Seltzer

Don’t add ice directly to the punch bowl; otherwise the drink will become watered down as the ice melts. Instead, have an ice bucket near the serving station so guests can add ice directly to their own glass.

Can This Cocktail Be Made Non-Alcoholic?

Shrubs are usually spiked drinks, but you can you can use fruit shrubs to make refreshing mocktails, too, if you prefer! Alcohol-free spirits are great as an alternative if you’re sober curious or don’t consume alcoholic beverages. 

Try swapping the bourbon with:

• Free Spirits Zero Proof Bourbon
• Ritual Zero Proof Bourbon
• Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey

Ginger beer or ginger ale would also be fun options to substitute in place of the bourbon. Or, make a shrub seltzer by filling a glass with ice, adding 1 – 2 tablespoons of shrub, and topping it off with seltzer water or La Croix.

Safety tip: Depending on the brand you use, some alcohol-removed spirits may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. Check before using if you’re pregnant, serving the mocktails to kids, etc.