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Made with fresh (or frozen!) cranberries, this cranberry simple syrup is just want you need to make any drink a little more festive. With just 3 ingredients, this easy recipe is the way to keep cranberry close long past the holiday season. Plus it is a tasty homemade gift!
about this cranberry simple syrup
Turn those fresh (or frozen!) cranberries into a vibrant mixer that’ll brighten everything from morning coffee to late-night cocktails! Cranberry simple syrup brings a burst of tart-sweet flavor that’s impossible to resist. While they are in season, we love to stock our fridge (or freezer!) with a batch so we are ready to add a splash of cranberry to drinks and treats all season long.
Ready in just 20 minutes with 3 simple ingredients, this recipe is a staple for holiday entertaining. Not only does it taste amazing, but that gorgeous red color turns every drink into an instant celebration. Think sparkling mocktails, festive margaritas, and the most beautiful champagne cocktails you’ve ever seen.
You can use cranberry simple syrup for more than drinks too! Drizzle it over pancakes, swirl it into yogurt, or brush it onto cakes for a sweet-tart kick. Make a double batch while cranberries are in season – you’ll want this flavor on hand long after the holidays are over.
ingredients
cranberries. Either fresh or frozen cranberries will work for this recipe.
sugar. Use granulated sugar to make the syrup.
water. You can use either tap or filtered water in this recipe.
this recipe’s must-haves
To make this recipe, you will need a medium saucepan and a wooden spoon for stirring. Use a fine mesh sieve for straining.
We like to use mason jars to store any homemade simple syrups in the fridge. Plus they are really easy to label!
simple syrup favorites
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here’s how to make cranberry simple syrup
simmer
Combine cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and continue to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and cranberries have burst.
strain
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer. Cool the syrup before using.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the fridge.
variations
add whole spices. For a spiced cranberry syrup, add some whole spices to the mix. You could use a cinnamon stick, allspice berries, star anise, or whole cloves.
layer in more flavor. Add even more layers of flavor by adding a piece of orange peel, apple slices, or sliced fresh ginger for a hit of spice. You could even add fresh rosemary!
More easy simple syrup recipes to enjoy: Honey Simple Syrup | Demerara Syrup | Mint Simple Syrup | Lemon Simple Syrup
how long will cranberry simple syrup last?
This simple syrup will last for up to one month in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
can I freeze this simple syrup?
Yes! Pour cooled syrup into ice cube trays and freeze until frozen. Remove from the trays to store in freezer-safe bags so you can wrap what you need, as you need it. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months so you can enjoy the festive flavor even longer.
how do you know if simple syrup has gone bad?
If you spot any fuzzy growth, cloudy bits floating around, or notice an off smell, it’s time to say goodbye. Fresh cranberry simple syrup should be clear and bright with that signature ruby-red color.
Another tell-tale sign? If your syrup starts looking cloudy or the color has faded dramatically, it’s probably past its prime. When stored properly in the fridge, you’ve got about a month to mix up those cocktails and treats. After that, it is best to whip up a fresh batch!
can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe! No need to thaw them, just throw them into the pan frozen and they will thaw as they cook. It may just take a little longer for the mixture to come to a simmer.
Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
how to use cranberry simple syrup
This vibrant simple syrup brings a burst of tart-sweet flavor to so many different drinks and dishes! You can add a splash to sparkling water for a quick mocktail, shake it into cocktails in place of regular simple syrup, or drizzle over pancakes/waffles for a festive breakfast.
Here are some more ideas for adding cranberry flavor:
- Stir into fresh homemade lemonade for a holiday twist.
- Brush it on cake, either before frosting or in lieu of frosting!
- Drizzle over vanilla ice cream.
- Mix into whipped cream.
- Add to your morning yogurt parfaits.
- Pour a splash into your fruit salad.
- Use it as a sweetener for coffee or tea drinks.
how to store & reheat
Store. Cool the syrup completely, then pour into a clean glass bottle or jar. Store in the fridge for up to one month. Be sure to add a quick label on the bottle with the date!
Freeze. Fill ice cube trays with the cooled syrup and freeze until solid. Remove from the ice crube trays, then place in freezer-safe bags. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, just grab what you need and thaw in a bowl in the refrigerator.
cranberry cocktails to sip on
A cranberry orange moscow mule is festive and fun for any gathering in winter!
Try this fruity twist on a classic – the cranberry margarita. Perfect for taco night or scale it up for a party.
Brunch gets even more festive with a cranberry mimosa in hand! Ideal for Christmas morning!
Finally, if you make this homemade cranberry syrup recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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cranberry simple syrup
ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
instructions
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries have softened and burst, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and strain.
- Cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
