How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup

In preparation for Thanksgiving dinner, I purposely bought an excess of fresh cranberries. I wanted to incorporate the deliciously tart fruit into more holiday recipes. Not only do I use fresh cranberries to make a homemade cranberry chutney, but I also use them to make a simple syrup. The following recipe may seem untraditional, but my goal was to create a potent Cranberry Simple Syrup for holiday cocktails.

While this recipe is easy to make, it yields approximately nine cups of Cranberry Simple Syrup. That said, I suggest canning the syrup. Most recently, I have become a fan of canning simple syrups, compotes and pepper jellies. I love having all of these items at my disposal to create cocktails and other recipes. The canned items also make lovely homemade gifts for the holidays. If you are not prepared to preserve the simple syrup, consider halving the recipe.

Now that I have shared my recommendation for preserving this Simple Syrup, let’s get to the recipe!

This Cranberry Simple Syrup is guaranteed to jazz up your holiday cocktails.

6 cups 100% cranberry juice
4 cups granulated sugar
2 cups whole cranberries

Add all ingredients into a four quart sauce pan.
Cook on medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes. Reduce to a low tempertaure once the simple syrup reaches a boil. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from the heat.
Using a hand blender, carefullly blend the mixture.
Strain the mixture and discard any excess cranberry skins. Can the simple syrup into sterilized mason jars. If you are not canning the Cranberry Simple Syrup, use the simple syrup once it has cooled and refrigerate immediately.

Tools used to make this Simple Syrup:

Measuring cups

Four quart sauce pan

Strainer

Canning supplies

Mason jars

After making this Simple Syrup, my creative wheels started churning. While the possibilities are endless, click here to read about 3 Delicious Cranberry Cocktails with Homemade Cranberry Syrup. In addition to alcoholic beverages, this syrup can be used to make a cranberry spritzer, cranberry lemonade or a cranberry salad dressing. If you enjoyed this Cranberry Simple Syrup, you will also love my Grapefruit Simple Syrup recipe. Click here, for step by step details.