Cranberry Tea Punch

Cranberry Tea Punch

Cranberry Tea Punch brings together The Spirit of Bourbon, oolong tea, and cranberry syrup in a balanced, aromatic mix. Lemon juice adds lift, and aromatic bitters lend spice and depth. Served over ice with orange wheels and cranberries, it feels festive yet composed. This batchable punch delivers bourbon-like warmth with clean citrus and tea-driven structure, ideal for gatherings that call for polish and ease.

star
Back to Recipes

Why This Works

Oolong tea adds grip and dryness that balance cranberry’s tartness. The Spirit of Bourbon provides oak and vanilla tones, while citrus and bitters refine the finish for a crisp, layered result.

About Free Spirits: The Spirit of Bourbon

The Spirit of Bourbon is modeled on the depth and structure of Kentucky bourbon, crafted with real American oak and natural extracts to capture warm spice, vanilla, and char without leaning sweet. It has the weight needed for bourbon cocktails: body to stand up to bitters, clarity for stirred drinks, and balance to carry citrus in Sours and Gold Rush variations. It holds shape and provides backbone alongside bold ingredients like ginger, honey, or aromatic bitters. Performs reliably in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Boulevardiers, and any cocktail that expects whiskey with character and restraint.

A Refined Holiday Crowd Favorite

Punch has anchored holiday celebrations for centuries, from early English bowls of citrus and spice to modern bourbon-based iterations. This version trades heaviness for harmony, using oolong tea for tannin, cranberry for brightness, and bitters for structure. It respects the form’s social tradition while bringing clarity and balance to the modern table.

Zero-Proof Cocktail Basics

What is a zero-proof cocktail?

A zero-proof cocktail is a fully built drink that follows the same principles as any classic: acid, sweetness, aromatics, dilution, and a defined base spirit. The difference is the base is non-alcoholic. When that spirit has enough structure and character, like the ones we make, you get a cocktail that drinks like a cocktail, not a compromise.
How do non-alcoholic spirits work in classic cocktail recipes?

Non-alcoholic spirits step into the role of the base spirit. They carry citrus, sugar, bitters, and dilution the same way their alcoholic counterparts do. Some recipes need small ratio adjustments, but the technique stays the same: build the drink, balance the elements, and let the base spirit define the profile.
Do zero-proof cocktails taste like the originals?

They taste like cocktails: recognizable, structured, and intentional. The goal isn't imitation; it's integrity. When the build is balanced and the spirit has presence, you get the character of the drink without relying on alcohol to do the work.
Can zero-proof cocktails have real complexity?

Yes. Complexity comes from design, not ethanol. A well-built zero-proof cocktail shows layers: aromatics, texture, finish. The craft sits in the composition, not the ABV. The right non-alcoholic spirit brings the structure; the ingredients do the rest.
What is the difference between zero-proof and low-proof cocktails?

Zero-proof cocktails contain no alcohol. Low-proof cocktails blend traditional spirits with non-alcoholic spirits to dial down the ABV while keeping the drink's identity intact. It's the easiest way to keep the ritual, cut the intensity, and stay in full control of the experience.
Why does Free Spirits work so well in both zero-proof and low-proof cocktails?

The Spirit of Bourbon is built with oak-forward depth and enough body to hold bitters and sweetness in balance. Whether you use it as the sole base or split it with traditional bourbon, it behaves like a true cocktail foundation, keeping the drink structured, complex, and true to form.

More recipes with The Spirit of Bourbon

The Last Hurrah - A HIghball cocktail using Free Spirits

The Last Hurrah

A fresh, spirited take on the highball, lush passion fruit and mint meet The Spirit of Bourbon for a balanced, endlessly sippable serve.
Maple Apple Old Fashioned

Maple Apple Old Fashioned

A non-alcoholic Old Fashioned with autumn-spiced apple infusion, maple syrup, and bitters—perfect for crisp evenings.
Coffee Bean Old Fashioned - The Spirit of Bourbon

Coffee Bean Old Fashioned

  A non-alcoholic Old Fashioned with coffee beans, maple syrup, and black walnut bitters for a bold, nuanced spin on the classic.
View Cocktail More Recipes