Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup: The Secret Ingredient for Festive Holiday Beverages

Hey Hey flower Friends. It’s that time of year again! CRANBERRY SEASON! I feel like I could consume my wight in fresh cranberries this time of year, which considering they are hallow, is ALOT. From my favorite appetizers like cranberry jalapeño dip and cranberry brie bites, to deserts like Nantucket Pie, or my favorite Cranberry Mules, they get used quite a bit this time of year. One of the first things I make every season is a Cranberry Simple Syrup that can be used for both mocktails and cocktails alike. This syrup can be added to club soda or ginger ale as a kid friendly or dry December beverage. It can also be used to make so many delicious cocktails like a Cranberry French 75 or Cranberry Mule. So lets hop in and make this amazingly versatile holiday staple!

Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup fresh cranberries (yes they have to be fresh)

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 cinnamon stick or 1 tsp ground cinnamon

3 whole cloves

1 star anise (optional but delicious addition)

Orange Zest (measure with your heart)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan over medium heat

2. Bring this to a boil and keep stirring.

3. Cranberries will begin to pop, and I gently help them by muddling them with my spatula or a potato masher to speed up the process.

4. I let this cook until all the cranberries are broken down and the syrup starts to thicken just a little bit.

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly

6. Strain syrup through a fine sieve or cheese cloth to remove the solids/pulp**

7. Jar/Bottle and enjoy!

This syrup good for ~7 days in the fridge, if it lasts that long! If you make this and love it, Let me know in the comments! Also I want to know your favorite way to use it!

**Don’t throw out that pulp! The cooked down cranberries are perfect as a cranberry chutney for Cranberry Brie Bites!