Description
Spiced Cranberry Juice is a vibrant and flavorful beverage combining fresh cranberry juice with warm spices and bright citrus notes. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for any season, offering a cozy, spicy kick with natural sweetness and a hint of tang. Enjoy it warm or chilled, customized to your taste, and elevate your gatherings with a refreshing, healthful option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh Cranberry Juice
- Zest of 1 Orange
- Juice of 1 Orange
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (natural)
- 4 Cloves
- 1 Star Anise
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (natural)
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Natural Gelling Agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Spices: Gather cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and any optional additional spices. Lightly crush the whole spices using a mortar and pestle or rolling pin to release their oils and maximize flavor infusion.
- Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Pour fresh cranberry juice into a medium pot. Add orange zest, orange juice, the prepared spices, and maple syrup (natural). Stir gently to blend everything before heating.
- Simmer and Infuse: Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the warm spices to deeply infuse the juice without boiling vigorously.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Natural Gelling Agent: Remove from heat and add apple cider vinegar. Whisk in the natural gelling agent if using, to add a subtle tang and slightly thicker texture.
- Strain and Cool: Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove whole spices and zest. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberry juice for optimal brightness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup (natural) after tasting to control sweetness.
- Lightly toast whole spices before crushing to intensify their aroma.
- Serve warm or chilled depending on preference and season.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry juice, spiced drink, cozy beverage, natural ingredients, seasonal drink