Cranberry Juice Recipe
To make cranberry juice, start by rinsing fresh cranberries and simmering them in water for about 10-15 minutes until they burst. Strain the mixture to remove the solids, then sweeten the juice with sugar or honey to taste. For a smoother texture, you can blend the juice before straining. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups pure water
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or orange juice optional for added citrusy brightness
- A drizzle of raw honey or maple syrup or your favorite sweetener like stevia, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Cranberries
- If using fresh cranberries, give them a quick rinse under cold water.
- Check for any soft or damaged berries and discard those.
Step 2: Simmer the Cranberries
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries and water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let the cranberries cook for about 10 minutes, or until they burst open (you’ll hear little popping sounds—it’s super satisfying!).
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the cranberry mixture into a bowl, pressing the berries gently with the back of a spoon to extract all the juice.
- Discard the pulp, or save it for smoothies or baking (waste not, want not!).
Step 4: Sweeten and Flavor
- Pour the strained juice back into the saucepan.
- Stir in lemon or orange juice for a citrusy kick, and add honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Heat gently until the sweetener dissolves.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the juice to cool slightly before transferring it to a pitcher.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour for the best flavor.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Notes
With fresh or frozen cranberries, water, and your choice of sweetener, you can easily prepare a delicious drink in under 30 minutes.
This juice is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are great for boosting immunity and promoting overall well-being. For the best taste and freshness, consume the juice within three days if refrigerated, or freeze it for longer storage. It’s a simple, healthy, and versatile beverage you can enjoy any time of the day.