Description
Spiced Cranberry Juice is a cozy and flavorful drink blending tart cranberry juice with warm cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and fresh orange zest. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup (natural) and balanced with apple cider vinegar, it is perfect served hot or chilled for a comforting and festive beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Juice and Base
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- Zest of 1 orange (fresh and finely grated)
Sweetener
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural), adjust to taste
Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional, for thicker texture)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather fresh cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup (natural). Ensure the orange zest is finely grated to maximize aroma.
- Combine and Simmer: In a pot, combine cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest, and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently over medium heat, bringing the mixture to just under a simmer. Allow the spices to infuse for about 10-15 minutes without boiling, preserving the fresh and layered flavors.
- Sweeten to Taste: Gradually stir in the maple syrup (natural), tasting periodically to achieve a balanced sweetness that complements the natural tartness of the cranberry juice.
- Add Optional Texture: If a thicker mouthfeel is desired, whisk in the natural gelling agent slowly while stirring constantly to prevent clumps. Continue to heat gently for 1-2 minutes to activate the texture.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove all spices and zest bits. Pour the juice into mugs or glasses and enjoy warm, or chill for a refreshing cold beverage.
Notes
- Always use fresh orange zest for the best citrus aroma.
- Simmer gently to avoid bitterness and maintain natural flavors.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar carefully for subtle brightness without overpowering tartness.
- Customize maple syrup (natural) quantity to balance sweetness according to cranberry tartness.
- Strain well for a smooth drink free from spice grit.
- For sweetness alternatives, try agave nectar (natural) or date syrup (natural).
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme during simmering for herbal variation.
- Enhance citrus by adding fresh lemon juice if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, include a small piece of fresh ginger during simmering.
- Mix in pomegranate juice or grape juice for added fruit complexity.
- Garnish with thin orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or whole cranberries for visual appeal.
- 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: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spiced cranberry juice, cozy drink, warm beverage, cranberry recipe, festive drink, natural sweetener, maple syrup natural, holiday beverage, cold weather drink
