Description
Spiced Cranberry Juice is a vibrant and warming beverage infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus. This naturally sweet and tangy drink is easy to prepare, vegan-friendly, and perfect for cozying up on chilly days or celebrating festive moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cool water. Carefully zest the orange, avoiding the bitter white pith. Squeeze the juice from the orange and gather all spices.
- Simmer the cranberries and spices: In a medium saucepan, combine water, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange zest. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until cranberries burst and release their juice.
- Sweeten and flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in maple syrup (natural) and apple cider vinegar to taste. If a thicker texture is desired, whisk in the natural gelling agent until fully combined.
- Strain and cool: Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the mixture into a jug, pressing gently on solids to extract juice. Discard pulp and spices. Let the juice cool to room temperature before refrigerating or serving warm immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries and freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor.
- Adjust cloves and star anise according to personal spice preference.
- Add maple syrup (natural) gradually to control sweetness.
- Serve warm as a soothing drink or chilled over ice for refreshment.
- When using the natural gelling agent, add a small amount and stir continuously to avoid clumps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spiced cranberry juice, cranberry drink, warm beverage, vegan drink, holiday drink, cinnamon drink, natural juice, healthy beverage
