Warm Spiced Cranberry Recipe
Make Warm Spiced Cranberry Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cranberry Base
Spices & Aromatics
Optional Finishing & Serving
Method
Cranberry Base
Combine and simmer
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups cranberries, 2 cups water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup orange juice. Stir to dissolve some sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook until bursting
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the mixture has started to thicken.
Spices & Aromatics
Add spices
While the cranberries simmer (after 3–4 minutes), add 2 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 6 allspice berries, sliced 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon orange zest to the saucepan. Stir them in so the spices infuse evenly.
Infuse and strain (optional)
After the simmering time (total 10–12 minutes), turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for an additional 10 minutes to deepen flavors. If you prefer a smooth drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pot, pressing on solids to extract liquid; discard solids. For a textured warm spiced cranberry (like a compote-style drink), leave the solids in.
Finish with vanilla
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and taste. If using maple syrup or honey, add up to 2 tablespoons now and stir to combine. If the mixture is too sweet or dense, add up to 1/4 cup hot water to adjust consistency.
Optional Finishing & Serving
Brighten and serve warm
If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Keep the warm spiced cranberry on the lowest heat setting or in a thermos to maintain temperature.
Make a spritzer (optional)
To serve as a warm or room-temperature spritzer, ladle 3/4 cup of the warm cranberry mixture into mugs or heatproof glasses and top with 1/2 cup sparkling water per serving (adjust to taste).
Garnish
Garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig or an orange slice. Remove whole spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves from individual cups before drinking if desired.
Serve immediately while warm. Leftover spiced cranberry will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat gently on the stove before serving.