Description
A refreshing and healthful spiced cranberry juice that combines fresh cranberries with aromatic spices and citrus zest. This rejuvenating beverage can be served hot or cold and is perfect as a festive mocktail full of flavor and nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 liter cold water
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
Spices (choose any or all)
- 3 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods
- 3 allspice berries
- 1 star anise
- 1 inch of grated ginger
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice or lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons agave syrup, honey, or sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash the cranberries thoroughly along with any other fruits being used. Set aside.
- Combine in Pot: Place the cranberries, citrus zest, and cold water into a medium-sized pot. This will be the base for your juice.
- Prepare Spices: Bundle your chosen spices in a small cheesecloth pouch to keep them contained. If cheesecloth is unavailable, you can add the spices directly into the pot.
- Boil Gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, remove the pot from heat after about one minute to preserve vitamin content.
- Cool the Mixture: Allow the cranberry concoction to cool for 30 minutes to an hour to develop flavors and cool down safely.
- Strain the Juice: Remove the spice pouch, then pour the liquid through a fine mesh colander into a one-liter jar. Use a wooden spoon to press the berries and fruits, extracting all the juice.
- Sweeten and Blend Flavors: Taste the juice and sweeten with agave syrup, honey, or sugar as desired. Stir well.
- Rest the Juice: Let the juice stand in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Enjoy the spiced cranberry juice cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed in the microwave for a comforting hot drink.
Notes
- This spiced cranberry juice can be enjoyed year-round, served chilled in warm months or heated during cold seasons.
- Using a cheesecloth pouch for spices helps in easy removal and a clearer juice, but it is optional.
- The juice is versatile and can be sweetened according to personal taste or dietary preferences.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well, making it easy to prepare anytime.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250 ml)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
