Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125 g) Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Water
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark/Amber)
  • 1 large Cinnamon Stick (7 cm)
  • 2 Star Anise Pods
  • 2 Tbsp (30 g) Granulated Sugar (for rim)
  • 1 tsp (5 g) Fine Sea Salt (for rim)
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Ground Cinnamon (for rim)
  • 1 Fresh Lime Wedge (for rimming glass)
  • 3 oz (90 ml) Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • 5 oz (45 ml) Spiced Cranberry-Maple Syrup (chilled)
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters (optional)
  • Ice (as needed)

Instructions:

  1. Combine & Simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Muddle & Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Gently muddle the cranberries against the side of the pot to release their juices. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the liquid has slightly reduced and thickened.
  3. Steep & Cool: Remove the pan from the heat. Allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes to fully infuse the spices.
  4. Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing lightly on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
  5. Chill: Transfer the syrup to an airtight jar and refrigerate until completely cold (at least 30 minutes). The syrup must be cold before mixing the cocktail.
  6. Prepare the Rim Mix: On a small, flat plate, combine the granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly.
  7. Rim the Glass: Take a lime wedge and rub it along the rim of your two serving glasses. Dip the wetted rim gently into the spice mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set glasses aside.
  8. Measure Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the Tequila, fresh lime juice, the chilled Spiced Cranberry-Maple Syrup, and the two dashes of bitters (if using).
  9. Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid and shake hard for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly frosted on the outside. This chills the drink sufficiently.
  10. Serve: Double strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses over fresh ice cubes or neat, depending on preference.
  11. Garnish: Garnish with a fresh lime wheel or a few floating sugared cranberries.