You’d have to be a real Scrooge not to feel the holiday spirit with the Bourbon Bubbler. Everything from the way it looks, to the warmth it creates with every sip just beckons us to come back to the table, back to the celebration with loved ones. It’s a beautiful thing.
We love this cocktail because it’s easy and quick. Ridiculously quick. Keeping the ingredients stocked means you’ll never be caught off-guard during impromptu get-togethers. When that neighbor shows up unexpectedly with a gift or a family member arrives with unannounced guests, you’ll always be able to whip out something festive and delicious. We think being prepared for festivities shouldn’t be a chore. Embrace the unexpected scenarios of the holidays. They often make the best memories!
Bourbon is obviously the star of this drink, but we found that even people who aren’t so fond of it still love the Bubbler. Lemon, cranberry, and our Mountain Spring Sparkling Water complement Bourbon’s oakiness, but they also tone down that stronger, fiery element. The result is a pleasant balance that goes well with meals or appetizers.
And check out the floating cranberries! Such a simple touch with a powerful effect. If this libation doesn’t look like the holidays, we don’t know what does. For each cocktail, you’ll need fresh lemon juice, bourbon of your choice (we’ll let you make the call), our sparkling water for effervescence, cranberry juice, cranberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup.
A note on the simple syrup. You can pick this up at your local liquor store OR you can make it yourself. We like to make it ourselves since it’s easy, and it makes us feel that authentic, homemade holiday goodness inside.
You will need two things: equal parts sugar and water. That’s it! Simply boil 1 cup of water and add 1 cup of white sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then stick in the fridge to cool. Keep it stocked throughout the season for cocktails, teas, and any other beverages you want to sweeten.
Now, pull out the ol’ cocktail shaker. Pour in your bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and ice and give it a good shake. Strain over ice and top with a splash or two of Mountain Valley Sparkling Water. Now it’s time for the best part: the festive garnishes. Throw in a few cranberries and a couple of mint leaves as floaters and garnish with mint leaf. The mint flavor here is subtle but adds a really nice touch.
The holidays are all about traditions; they’re what people remember. And the Bourbon Bubbler is an excellent contender for a new family tradition. Make it together. Enjoy together. Your loved ones will remember for years to come.
Ingredients (makes 1 serving)
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce of simple syrup
1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
2 ounces Mountain Valley Sparkling Water
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish
Ice
Instructions
1. Pour bourbon, simple syrup, cranberry juice, and lemon juice into ice-filled cocktail shaker. Give a good shake and strain into a glass over ice.
2. Splash with sparkling water and add floating cranberries and mint leaves. Garnish with additional mint leaf.
