Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail

A great seasonal cocktail from fall through winter, the Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail includes Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur), bourbon, and cranberry juice for a cocktail that is refreshing and beautiful.

I won't deny I absolutely hate the transition between Fall and Winter; we've long seen the end of summer fruits and veggies and I miss them, but I'm a realist too; there is snow outside and it's time for the whining to stop and acceptance to begin. Think I'll start with this Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail!

It's already snowed over a foot in Denver this year and last night it was down into single digits; seems smart to concede doesn't it? Still, even winter in Colorado is as varied as the cocktails contained on this site. We can go from warm to freezing in less than 24 hours; fun hmm?

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It's no surprise that when the cooler months hit I start thinking about more transitional cocktails and by transitional I mean bourbon. There is something about bourbon that is warming and more robust and seems perfect for cooler months.

Tequila is my friend in the Summer but bourbon and I get closer starting with the advent of Fall. Traditionally I've looked towards apples and apple cider for the fruit I'll include in a cocktail for the Fall season but I'm taking a different path today; winter is only a couple of days away!

This Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail is a great segue; the fruit of late Summer and my choice of libation for Fall...seems perfect. This cocktail includes fresh blackberries for garnish, but consider them optional, if they are not available simply throw in a couple of cranberries instead if you want to accompany the lemon wedge.

Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail

The liqueur suggested for this cocktail is Crème de Mûre or blackberry liqueur. It's made in France from blackberry juice and has the most intense blackberry flavor. Crème de Cassis, which is a liqueur made from black currents, is often used as a substitute (yes I have) and is perfectly fine to use if you find the French version more difficult to locate.

In years past I would have to make a trip to a specialty liquor store downtown to locate the Crème de Mûre but in the past couple of years it seems to be on more and more shelves. But I wasn't in the mood for that even so I decided to make my own last week. Homemade Crème de Mûre is so easy; you might want to give it a try too!

This cocktail is everything I love. The warmth of bourbon with both tart and sweet elements of blackberries, cranberry juice, lemon, and simple syrup. And make no mistake...the bourbon is clearly evident. I've suggested 5-6 ounces for 2 cocktails...try the smaller amount and see for yourself if your palate prefers a stronger presence before pouring.

Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail

If you're looking for a cocktail to serve for a holiday event, this one works beautifully. Not only delicious but such a beautiful vibrant color. This drink is straight liquor and juice; no fizzy sparkling wine or club soda so it's perfect for a holiday gathering. Make up a big batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to pour.

Want to have your batch less potent for holiday guests and get more servings from your liquor stock? Then go ahead and top it with some chilled sparkling soda water; still great and a bit less alcohol content per serving.

I seriously love this Blackberry, Bourbon, and Cranberry Cocktail and know that if I can grace cocktail time with more libations like this, then I'm well on my way to embracing the cooler seasons. Cheers!