This Warm Cranberry Citrus Drink is a cozy, vibrant blend of tart cranberries and zesty citrus, perfect for chilly days. In just 28 minutes, you’ll have a steaming mug of ruby-red goodness, bursting with tangy sweetness and a hint of warmth. The smooth, velvety texture is balanced by a refreshing citrus kick, making every sip feel like a hug from the inside out.
Packed with vitamin C and a touch of natural sweetness, this drink is as nourishing as it is delicious. The aromatic blend of cranberries and citrus creates a sensory delight, with each sip offering a bright, tangy flavor that lingers pleasantly. Whether you’re curling up with a book or hosting friends, this drink is a quick, comforting treat that’s sure to brighten your day.
What You’ll Need for Warm Cranberry Citrus Drink
- 3 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries, thawed)
- 6½ cups water, divided (2½ cups for cooking cranberries, 4 cups for the syrup)
- 1½ cups sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- Dash of cloves (optional, for a warm spice note)
- ⅔ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 4 cinnamon sticks (for serving and garnish)
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Warm Cranberry Citrus Drink
- Cook the cranberries: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of fresh cranberries and 2½ cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries pop and soften.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the cooked cranberries through a fine sieve or strainer into a large bowl. Press gently to extract all the juice, then discard the cranberry skins. Set the strained juice aside.
- Make the syrup: In the same saucepan, combine the remaining 4 cups of water, 1½ cups of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a dash of cloves. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Combine and mix: Pour the sugar syrup into the bowl with the cranberry juice. Add ⅔ cup of orange juice, ¼ cup of lemon juice, and 4 cinnamon sticks. Stir well to combine.
- Serve warm: Ladle the drink into mugs or glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch. Enjoy immediately!
Creative Serving Suggestions
Serve this Warm Cranberry Citrus Drink in festive mugs or heatproof glasses for a cozy touch. For a party, set up a self-serve station with garnishes like fresh cranberries, orange slices, and extra cinnamon sticks so guests can customize their drinks. Pair it with holiday cookies or a cheese platter for a delightful treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover drink in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling, as it may alter the flavors. For a quick fix, microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals until warm.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness. Add a splash of ginger juice or a few slices of fresh ginger for a spicy twist. For an adult version, stir in a splash of spiced rum or bourbon before serving.
Time-Saving Tips
To save time, use pre-squeezed orange and lemon juice instead of fresh. You can also prepare the cranberry juice a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use. If you’re in a rush, skip the garnish step—it’s still delicious without it!
Equipment Guidance
A fine-mesh sieve is essential for straining the cranberry skins smoothly. If you don’t have one, line a regular strainer with cheesecloth for similar results. Use a large saucepan to avoid spills when boiling the mixture, and a heatproof bowl for combining the juices.
Warm Cranberry Citrus Drink
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 6½ cups water, divided
- 1½ cups sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- dash of cloves
- ⅔ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- fresh cranberries and orange slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Place cranberries and 2 1/2 cups of water in a large saucepan. Bring water to a boil and cook over medium heat until the berries pop (takes about 15-20 minutes).
- Strain through a fine sieve (strainer), reserving the juice and discarding the cranberry skins. Pour the juice into a large bowl and set bowl aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the rest of the water (4 cups) and 1 1/2 cups sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring water to a boil and cook until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour water into bowl with cranberry juice, then add orange juice, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks. Mix well and serve.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and sliced oranges.