Description

Warm up with a comforting and vibrant Spiced Cranberry Juice that blends tart cranberry juice with fragrant cinnamon sticks, cloves, and bright citrus notes. This cozy beverage is infused with natural sweeteners and a splash of apple cider vinegar to create a soothing drink perfect for any season, whether served warm or chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

4 cups cranberry juice
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
1 strip of orange peel

Sweeteners and Flavors

2 tablespoons natural sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) (optional)
1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Additions and Variations

Fresh ginger slices (for ginger twist)
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
1/4 cup grape juice (for fruity fusion)
Cardamom pods and star anise (for chai-inspired spice)
Natural gelling agent (pectin, agar, or carrageenan) as needed for thicker texture

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange peel, and your chosen natural sweetener. Prepare any optional ingredients like fresh ginger slices or vanilla extract to have them ready for cooking.
Simmer the Spices: In a saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. Warm gently over medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors deeply into the juice. Maintain a low simmer for about 10 minutes, making sure the juice does not boil rapidly.
Sweeten and Add Depth: Stir in the natural sweetener and a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the tartness. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) if using. Mix well until the sweetener dissolves completely. Adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.
Remove and Strain: Remove the pan from heat. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel, ensuring a smooth drink without any solid bits.
Optional Natural Gelling Agent: If thicker consistency is desired, gently reheat the strained juice and stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent until dissolved. Stir constantly, then cool before serving.

Notes

Use fresh cinnamon sticks and whole cloves for the best flavor intensity.
Simmer the juice low and slow to avoid bitterness.
Taste as you go and adjust sweetness and acidity gradually.
Strain thoroughly for a silky-smooth texture.
Serve warm or chilled over ice depending on preference.
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioned refreshers or smoothies.
Heat gently to rewarm without boiling.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverages
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 90
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: spiced cranberry juice, warm cranberry drink, cozy beverage, natural spices, autumn drink, festive juice, cranberry cocktail, non-alcoholic drink