The Cranberry Olio Sour is the perfect cocktail to elevate the holiday season featuring NOLET’S Silver Gin, cranberry spice syrup, lemon, olive oil and aquafaba. 

I partnered with NOLET’s Gin to craft up this Cranberry Olio Sour cocktail recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.

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Cranberry Olio Sour

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to elevate my cocktail game with a drink that not only tastes fantastic but also embodies festive cheer. Enter the Cranberry Olio Sour – this cocktail blends the richness of spiced cranberry syrup, the smoothness of NOLET’S Silver Gin, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil. For the cranberry spice syrup, feel free to use either fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability. I had homemade mulling spices for my mix, but you can easily find prepackaged options at your local grocery store. In a pinch, fragrant cinnamon sticks work great as a sub too.

To add that distinctive tang notable in traditional sour cocktails, I incorporated fresh lemon juice. Aquafaba, the liquid from canned garbanzo beans, creates the foamy texture that tops the cocktail, adding a velvety finish. In every sip, these elements come together, creating a balanced and festive libation that captures the essence of the season! Cheers to holiday cheer!

Tell Me More About NOLET Gin

NOLET’s Silver Gin is a premium spirit crafted with meticulous attention to detail, making it a standout choice for discerning gin enthusiasts. Distilled in the Netherlands by the NOLET family, renowned for their distillation expertise since 1691, this gin is a testament to tradition and innovation. NOLET’s Silver Gin features a carefully selected blend of botanicals, including Turkish rose, peach, and raspberry, resulting in a uniquely flavorful and floral profile. The commitment to quality and the pursuit of perfection make NOLET’s Silver Gin a sophisticated addition to the world of premium gins, providing a smooth and refined experience with each sip. I love that it’s sugar-, carb-, and gluten-free, and is non-GMO!

Ingredients for the Cranberry Olio Sour

• NOLET’S Silver Gin: NOLET’S Silver Gin provides the ideal foundation for the cocktail, for a refined and premium taste.
• White Sugar: White sugar is the sweetener for the spice cranberry syrup recipe. You can substitute brown sugar or your favorite sugar replacement.
• Cranberries: Feel free to use either fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability.
• Mulling Spices:  I had homemade mulling spices, but you can easily find prepackaged options at your local grocery store. In a pinch, fragrant cinnamon sticks work great as a sub too.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a zesty and citrusy kick, balancing the sweetness of the cranberry syrup. Bottled lemon juice works here too.
• Aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, creates a luxurious foam that crowns the cocktail. If preferred, substitute with an egg white.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A hint of richness comes from extra virgin olive oil, elevating the drink’s complexity.
• Garnish: Cranberries add a bright touch, while a sprig of rosemary brings a refreshing aroma to the mix.

How to Make the Cranberry Olio Sour

Most of your prep time will be making the Spiced Cranberry Syrup, and you’ll have plenty to spare for refills!

Spiced Cranberry Syrup

First, add cranberries, sugar, mulling spices, and water to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. You can stir the mixture occasionally. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. You’ll start to hear the cranberries bursting and you know it’s done when the cranberries are all broken down. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Then use a mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a jar or container and discard the solids.

Cranberry Olio Sour

After your Spiced Cranberry Syrup is complete, you’re ready to mix up your cocktail. Start by combining the spiced cranberry syrup, NOLET’S Silver Gin, lemon juice, aquafaba, olive oil, and 2-3 pieces of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until the ice has dissolved. The shaker should feel chilled on the outside. Then shake for an additional 20-30 seconds until the mixture is foamy. Finally, pour the mixture into a coupe glass. If you’re feeling extra festive, garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary!

FAQ

How does a gin sour differ from a gin fizz?

The key distinction lies in texture. A gin sour typically combines gin with citrus juice and simple syrup, served straight or over ice. On the other hand, a gin fizz includes an egg white or aquafaba, creating a frothy, creamy consistency.

Can I infuse additional flavors into the Cranberry Olio Gin Sour?

Yes! Consider experimenting with herb-infused syrups, such as rosemary or thyme, to add aromatic elements. Additionally, small amounts of liqueurs like orange or elderflower can provide intriguing flavor layers.

Can I use any type of olive oil for the Cranberry Olio Gin Sour?

For the best results, use extra virgin olive oil as it adds a subtle richness to the cocktail. Other types of olive oil may alter the intended flavor.

More Cranberry Cocktails to Try

• New Year’s Eve Cocktail: The Cranberry Kiss Sparkling Paloma
• Cranberry Vanilla Sparkler
• Cranberry Rosemary Spritz

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