Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots | Holiday Bourbon Recipe
The holidays are the perfect time to gather with family and friends, and every celebration deserves a festive jello shot. Whether you're planning a Christmas party, Thanksgiving dinner, or holiday cocktail hour, these Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots bring the timeless flavors of a classic Old Fashioned into a fun, easy-to-serve treat.
At Jellinator, we love putting a creative spin on classic cocktails. This recipe combines tart cranberry, smooth bourbon, orange liqueur, and aromatic bitters for a rich, sophisticated flavor that's perfect for the holiday season.
Why You'll Love These Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots
These festive Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots are perfect for:
- Christmas parties
- Thanksgiving dinners
- Holiday cocktail parties
- Friendsgiving celebrations
- New Year's Eve gatherings
- Winter entertaining
- Bourbon lovers
- Classic cocktail enthusiasts
The balance of cranberry, bourbon, orange, and bitters creates a cocktail-inspired jello shot that's festive without being overly sweet.
Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots Recipe
Yield: 15 jello shots
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz.) box cranberry gelatin
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup bourbon
- ½ cup triple sec (orange curaçao)
- 4–5 dashes aromatic bitters
Garnish
- Orange peel
- Maraschino cherry
Directions
- Heat the cranberry juice and hot water until very hot, but do not boil.
- Add the cranberry gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Stir in the bourbon, triple sec (or orange curaçao), and bitters.
- Pour the mixture into your Jellinator.
- Fill your favorite shot cups. For a classic presentation, use Fancy Shmancy Squares from Jellinator—they resemble traditional Old Fashioned rocks glasses.
- Cover and refrigerate for approximately 3 hours, or until fully set.
- Garnish each shot with an orange peel and maraschino cherry just before serving.
Pro Tip: Don't skimp on the bitters—they're the key to achieving the authentic Old Fashioned flavor.
Make the Perfect Orange Peel Garnish
The garnish gives these Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots the finishing touch.
You'll Need
- 1 orange
- Vegetable peeler
- Toothpicks
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to remove a long strip of orange peel.
- Soak the peel in water for about 10 minutes until it becomes flexible.
- Thread the orange peel onto a cocktail pick.
- Add a maraschino cherry.
- If preparing ahead, store the garnishes in a sealed zip-top bag in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Make Ahead Tips
These Holiday Jello Shots are perfect for entertaining because they can be prepared well in advance.
For best results:
- Make them up to one week ahead.
- Keep them tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Add garnishes just before serving.
- Store garnish picks separately until party time.
Why This Recipe Works
The classic Old Fashioned is known for its balance of whiskey, citrus, and bitters.
This holiday version captures those signature flavors with:
- Tart cranberry gelatin
- Smooth bourbon
- Sweet orange curaçao
- Aromatic bitters
- Fresh orange peel
- Maraschino cherry garnish
The result is a festive cocktail-inspired jello shot that's elegant enough for holiday dinners yet fun enough for every party.
Why Use the Jellinator?
No matter which jello shots recipe you make, the Jellinator helps simplify the process.
With the Jellinator, you can:
- Fill shot cups neatly with less mess
- Reduce spills and wasted ingredients
- Create consistent portions every time
- Speed up holiday party prep
- Spend more time celebrating with family and friends
Because unless you enjoy sticky countertops…
You need a Jellinator!
Let's Jellinate!
Perfect Holiday Pairings
Serve these Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots alongside:
- Roast turkey
- Honey-glazed ham
- Prime rib
- Holiday charcuterie boards
- Cheese platters
- Pumpkin pie
- Pecan pie
- Christmas cookies
They make an elegant addition to Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas buffets, and holiday cocktail parties alike.
More Holiday Recipes from Jellinator
Looking for more festive inspiration?
Discover more seasonal favorites from Jellinator, including:
- Best Holiday Jello Shots
- Christmas Jello Shots
- Thanksgiving Jello Shots
- Fireball Jello Shots
- Valentine's Day Jello Shots
- Top 100 Jello Shot Recipes
There's a Jellinator recipe for every holiday celebration.
FAQ
Can I make Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots ahead of time?
Yes. These Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots can be made up to one week in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and garnish just before serving.
Why are bitters important in this recipe?
Bitters provide the signature flavor of a traditional Old Fashioned cocktail, balancing the sweetness of the cranberry gelatin and orange liqueur while adding depth and complexity.
Can I substitute bourbon with another whiskey?
Yes. Rye whiskey is an excellent substitute if you prefer a spicier, more traditional Old Fashioned flavor profile.
What are the best garnishes for Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots?
A fresh orange peel and maraschino cherry create the classic presentation. Fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary also make elegant holiday garnishes.
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