‘Tis the season for easy and festive cocktails!  In an effort to make spirits bright, we are sharing a seasonally modified old fashioned today.  You probably already have most of the ingredients for this simple drink on your home bar or in your kitchen.  The cranberry and brown sugar stand in nicely for simple syrup in this recipe.  It subtly offers the flavors of the season, while still allowing the tasting notes from the bourbon to shine through!  The fresh cranberries can also be substituted for cranberry juice in a pinch, just cut back on the sugar or leave it out entirely!  Moreover, this old fashioned variation is quickly crafted, but sure to impress guests, making it the perfect signature cocktail for any holiday hostess.  We know you'll want to add it to your Christmas or holiday party menu...

Cranberry Old Fashioned

Handful of fresh cranberries

1 teaspoon brown sugar

Dash of bitters

1 strip Orange zest

Splash of club soda or water

2 ounces of bourbon

In a lowball glass, muddle the cranberries, brown sugar, bitters, and zest until sugar granules breakdown. 

Add ice cubes and pour in bourbon and club soda.  Stir gently, bringing the orange rind and berries to the top. 

Garnish with sugar coated cranberries or an orange slice and enjoy.