Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries (1 cup, plus extra for garnish)
• Water (1 cup)
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
• Cinnamon stick (1 stick)
• Orange peel (peel of 1 orange)
• Orange slice (1 slice (for muddling and garnish))
• Bourbon (2 ounces)
• Angostura bitters (2 dashes)
• Ice (as needed)
• Garnish: Cinnamon stick (1 stick)
• Garnish: Orange slice (1 slice)
• Garnish: Fresh cranberries (a few)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and the peel of 1 orange.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly into a syrup.
3. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool. Strain the syrup into a jar, discarding the solids, and set aside.
4. In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the orange slice and a few fresh cranberries together to release their juices and create a flavorful base.
5. Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of the spiced cranberry syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the glass. Stir well to combine the flavors.
6. Fill the glass with ice to chill the drink, then garnish with a cinnamon stick, an orange slice, and a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, warming flavors of the season!