Festive Cranberry Whiskey Sour

2 ounces bourbon (gin, vodka, or rum work nicely as well)

1/2 ounce lemon juice (fresh squeezed)

1 ounce cranberry simple syrup

2-3 dashes of bitters (cranberry bitters)

1 egg white

Optional - fresh herbs and cranberries for garnish

Prepare cranberry simple syrup. Add 1 cup fresh, whole cranberries to a heavy sauce pan. Combine with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup cranberry juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a heavy simmer. You will hear the cranberries begin to pop. Mash the berries and stir well to incorporate all of the sugar. Allow to simmer an additional 2-3 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the berry pulp. Refrigerate.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake well (no ice). The mixture should be very frothy. Add crushed ice and shake again. Strain the cocktail into a highball glass over ice. If desired, garnish with a sprig of fresh sage, rosemary or thyme. Add a few fresh cranberries. If you want to impress your guests, use sugared cranberries on a skewer.

Consuming raw or undercooked eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially for those with certain medical conditions. For recipes that call for eggs that are raw or undercooked when the dish is served, use either pasteurized shell eggs that have been treated to destroy Salmonella, or use pasteurized egg products.

Other recipes you may be interested in: