Description
Spiced Cranberry Juice is a warm, aromatic beverage that blends tart fresh cranberries with bright citrus and inviting warm spices. Naturally sweetened and plant-based, it offers comforting flavors perfect for cozy moments or festive gatherings. This drink balances sweetness and spice in a smooth, vibrant juice that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Spices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 1 star anise pod
Natural Sweeteners
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (natural) or date syrup (natural)
Optional
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries and Citrus: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly. In a medium pot, combine cranberries with freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest to create a bright and lively base.
- Add Spices and Liquid: Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, apple cider vinegar, and water to the pot. Simmer gently to allow the spices to infuse the juice with warm, balanced flavor.
- Sweeten and Simmer: Stir in your chosen natural sweetener. Continue simmering until the cranberries soften and the mixture develops a rich, spiced aroma.
- Strain and Optional Texture: Strain the juice through a fine mesh to remove solids for a smooth consistency. If a thicker texture is desired, stir in the natural gelling agent, then let the juice cool slightly.
- Serve Warm or Chill: Enjoy the spiced cranberry juice warm for a cozy treat or chill it for a refreshing, spiced cold beverage.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cranberries for a brighter, more vibrant juice.
- Simmer gently to keep flavors clean and aromatic without boiling aggressively.
- Adjust sweetness gradually by starting with less sweetener and adding more to taste.
- For richer flavor, prepare the juice a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
- Tie spices in a small muslin bag for easy removal after simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spiced cranberry juice, warm cranberry drink, natural sweetener beverage, plant-based juice, festive drink, cozy drink