Cranberry Simple Syrup is a tart, ruby-red syrup made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a strip of orange peel. It takes about 20 minutes and adds a bright, festive flavor to drinks. Stir it into sparkling water, cocktails, and mocktails, or drizzle it over pancakes, yogurt, cheesecake, and ice cream. It is perfect for the holidays.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (24 tablespoons)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 strip orange peel (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the cranberries, water, sugar, orange peel, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. The cranberries will begin to pop. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, lightly mashing the berries with a spoon, until the liquid turns deep red and slightly syrupy.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the orange juice and vanilla extract, if using.
- Let the syrup cool for 15 minutes.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle, pressing lightly on the cranberries to extract the liquid. For a clearer syrup, let it drip without pressing. Discard the orange peel.
- Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.
Notes
- Frozen cranberries work well: There is no need to thaw them first.
- Don’t boil hard: A gentle simmer keeps the flavor fresh and the color bright.
- Adjust the sweetness: Cranberries are very tart. For a sweeter syrup, add 2 to 3 more tablespoons of sugar.
- Save the cranberry pulp: Spoon it over yogurt or oatmeal, or stir it into a bit of sugar to make a quick sauce for toast or turkey.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Ways to use it: Mix with sparkling water for homemade soda, add to mulled drinks, gin or vodka cocktails, and champagne, or drizzle over waffles and cheesecake.
- Flavor ideas: Add a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, a slice of fresh ginger, or a sprig of rosemary while it simmers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cranberry-simple-syrup/
