Barsys
The Crimson Embers
About
The Crimson Embers is a deep, winter-ready bourbon cocktail designed to bring warmth, richness, and a touch of holiday magic to the glass. Built on Bulleit Bourbon, known for its spice-forward character and smooth finish, this drink folds in tart cranberry and velvety sugar syrup to create a bold fruit backbone that feels almost like a mulled wine reduction. The name suits it - every sip glows with layers of dark fruit, gentle sweetness, and slow-building heat from the whiskey.
This cocktail taps into classic American whiskey traditions while borrowing a hint of old-world festive charm. Cranberry provides a seasonal brightness that lifts the bourbon instead of masking it, and the star anise garnish adds an aromatic warmth that lingers beautifully with each sip. Served over a solid rock of ice, The Crimson Embers is moody, elegant, and deeply comforting - perfect for cozy nights, winter parties, or end-of-year celebrations.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. This keeps the bourbon silky and preserves the drink’s rich, spirit-forward character.
What You'll Need
- 2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
- 1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Sugar Syrup
Optional Garnish: Star Anise
Pro Tip: Use unsweetened cranberry juice - it gives the drink depth without overpowering sweetness.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 1 minute
Skill Level: Stir-and-serve
- Add bourbon, cranberry juice, and sugar syrup to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until chilled and silky.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice.
- Garnish with star anise.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine excels with spirit-forward cocktails like this. Load your bourbon, cranberry, and sugar syrup into the machine, and let it pour a perfectly measured base directly into your mixing glass. From there, a simple stir over ice brings all the flavors together. It’s the best way to batch multiple holiday cocktails quickly while keeping every pour precise.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
The Crimson Embers relies on perfect proportion - too much cranberry makes it sharp, too much syrup makes it cloying, and too much bourbon throws off its velvety balance. Barsys 360 Cocktail Machine delivers consistent ratios every time, ensuring each pour hits the sweet spot of warmth, fruit, and holiday spice.
Sip Setting
Ideal for fireside evenings, winter dinner parties, snowy nights indoors, or any moment when you want a cocktail that feels like a slow-burning ember in a cold room. Cozy, moody, and deeply satisfying.
Garnish Game
Star anise is classic, but you can elevate the look with a flamed orange peel, a cinnamon stick, or a skewered cranberry for an extra festive touch.
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FAQs
Can I use another bourbon?
Yes - any spicy or rye-forward bourbon pairs beautifully with cranberry.
Can I switch the cranberry for pomegranate?
Absolutely. It creates a slightly deeper, richer version.
Can this be batched?
Yes - combine bourbon, cranberry, and syrup in a pitcher. Stir individual servings.
Is this drink meant to be strong?
Yes - it’s a spirit-forward winter cocktail by design.
Can I make it warmer or spicier?
Add a cinnamon stick or a splash of mulled spice syrup.