January: Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon (such as Maker’s Mark or Wild Turkey)
• 1 oz Spiced Cranberry Syrup (see recipe below)
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel, for garnish  
• Fresh Cranberries, for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Make Spiced Cranberry Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 whole cloves, and 1 star anise.
   • Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
   • Remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
   • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar.
   • Discard the spices and cranberries.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In an old-fashioned glass, add the bourbon, spiced cranberry syrup, and Angostura bitters.
   • Muddle gently to combine.
3. Add Ice:
   • Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
4. Stir:
   • Stir gently with a bar spoon until well-chilled.
5. Garnish:
   • Express the oils from the orange peel over the cocktail.
   • Garnish with the orange peel and a few fresh cranberries.

Tips:

• For a stronger cranberry flavor, use more cranberries in the syrup.
• Adjust the amount of spiced cranberry syrup to taste.
• Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
• Serve chilled and enjoy responsibly.

Substitution Notes

For Angostura Bitters:

1. Orange Bitters: Use 1:1 for a fruitier, slightly less herbal alternative.
2. Peychaud’s Bitters: Replace 1:1 for a similar aromatic depth with a slightly sweeter note.
3. Campari or Aperol: Use a small dash (¼ teaspoon) for herbal bitterness and color.
4. Amaro (e.g., Montenegro, Cynar): Replace with ¼ teaspoon for complex herbal bitterness.
5. Coffee Bitters: Use 1:1 for deeper, roasted notes—perfect with whiskey or espresso cocktails.