You only need 2 ingredients for this quick and simple Cranberry Syrup! The sweet and tangy syrup is perfect for the holidays in cocktails, on desserts or as a festive pancake syrup.
If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for that one special ingredient that can add a burst of festive flavor to your culinary creations. Enter Cranberry Syrup!
While it's a fantastic addition to your breakfast table, it's not just for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
This homemade syrup is your ticket to infusing a touch of holiday magic into a wide range of dishes and beverages.
Instead of the traditional cranberry sauce, why not try drizzling a bit of Cranberry Syrup onto your roasted turkey for a unique twist that elevates your holiday feast to a whole new level?
The sweet and tangy symphony of cranberries and sugar pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of roasted meats.
You can add the cranberry simple syrup to seltzer water or Sprite for a festive mocktail. Hint: Freeze ice cubes with a whole cranberry in it for a fun way to serve your sparkling cranberry drink.
If you miss the limited edition Cranberry Sprite, or aren't a fan of Winter Spiced Cranberry Sprite, then why not make your own with this syrup!
And for those cozy evenings by the fireplace, mix it into a warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine to create a soothing, seasonal sipper.
You can also use it on desserts - drizzle it onto Cheesecake, ice cream, or over Pumpkin Cake.
Try this cranberry syrup in a Cranberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan Cocktail for extra cranberry flavor. It's also perfect as a festive drizzle on a Lemon Drizzle Traybake. The flavors of cranberry and lemon work so well together.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: Cranberries bring a tartness that balances the sweetness of the syrup, creating a distinctive taste that's a delightful departure from regular maple syrup.
- Vibrant Color: The deep red hue of cranberry syrup adds a pop of color to your breakfast spread, making it visually appealing and inviting.
- Versatile: Cranberry syrup isn't just for pancakes. You can use it to drizzle over ice cream, yogurt, or even as a cocktail mixer for a cranberry-infused twist.
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own syrup from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness level, ensuring a high-quality, preservative-free treat.
- Holiday Delight: This syrup is an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of Christmas and the holidays.
- Budget-Friendly: Homemade simple syrup is cheaper than buying it from Monin or Torani.
Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries: These little red jewels are the star of the show. They provide a tart and tangy flavor that makes this syrup special. If fresh cranberries are out of season, frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute. There is no need to thaw them first.
- Granulated White Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to balance the cranberries' tartness.
- Water: Water serves as the liquid base for the syrup, helping to create the right consistency.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add all ingredients to a pot.
Stir it together, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the cranberries start to break down.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or jug and pour in the mixture. Press the cranberries into the strainer to extract as much cranberry syrup as possible.
Allow the mixture to cool, then pour into a jar or bottle and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Variations
While Cranberry Simple Syrup is pretty perfect as is, you can always play around with flavors to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Orange Zest: Add some freshly grated orange zest to the syrup while it's simmering for a citrusy twist. It complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Cinnamon and Spice: For a cozy winter vibe, toss in a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves during simmering. It'll infuse the syrup with a warm, comforting aroma.
What Flavors Pair with Cranberry?
For more inspiration of ways to use up this Cranberry Syrup, check out these flavors that go with cranberry.
- Orange
- Cinnamon
- Apple
- Maple
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Vanilla
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Nutmeg
- Goat Cheese
Serving Suggestions
There are so many tasty ways to use up your syrup! Try these:
- Cocktail Mixer: Take your cocktail game up a notch by using Cranberry Syrup as a base for various beverages. It pairs wonderfully with vodka, gin, or rum for a festive cocktail. Try it in a Cranberry Martini, Cranberry Mojito, or a Cranberry Old Fashioned.
- Soda and Sparkling Water: Create your own refreshing cranberry soda by mixing your Cranberry Simple Syrup with carbonated water. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon for an extra zing.
- Dessert Topping: Transform simple desserts into gourmet treats by drizzling Cranberry Syrup over ice cream, cheesecake, or panna cotta. It adds a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
- Baking: Incorporate Cranberry Syrup into your baked goods. It's a wonderful addition to muffins, scones, or cookies, filling them with the bright taste of cranberries.
- Hot Drinks: Try adding a little to your creamy latte or hot chocolate for a festive flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer it with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a vibrant and healthy breakfast or snack. Try this Cookie Cheesecake Parfait with Berries or Pear and Gingerbread Parfait.
- Pancake/Waffle Bar: Set up a brunch station with pancakes or waffles and an array of toppings, including Cranberry Syrup. Let everyone customize their breakfast with a drizzle of this flavorful syrup. Perfect for Christmas morning! Try making other Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipes too.
- Salad Dressing: Whip up a delightful vinaigrette by combining Cranberry Syrup with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. It's perfect for drizzling over fresh green salads with nuts and cheese.
- Food Gift: Bottle up some Cranberry Syrup in decorative containers and give them as holiday gifts to friends and family. It's a thoughtful and delicious present that captures the spirit of the season. You can also make Marzipan Chocolates, Ginger Pecan Brittle with Chocolate Drizzle or Chocolate Almond Clusters.
Storage
Store: Storing your Cranberry Syrup is a breeze. Simply transfer it into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid, and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks.
Freeze: You can freeze Cranberry Syrup in an airtight container for up to six months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you're ready to use it.
Top tips
- Straining is Key: Make sure to use a fine-mesh strainer when pouring the syrup into your container. Press the cranberries gently to extract every drop of that delicious syrup without getting any residue into the syrup.
- Thickening: The syrup will thicken as it cools, so don't worry that it's thin after straining.
- Cool Before Storing: Let the syrup cool down to room temperature before sealing it in a container and refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container.
- Freezing: Want to keep it longer? You can freeze Cranberry Syrup in an airtight container for up to six months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you're ready to use it.
FAQ
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. In fact, they are available year-round, making it convenient to enjoy Cranberry Syrup whenever you crave it.
While it's primarily a sweet syrup, you can get creative and experiment with it in savory dishes. It can be used as a glaze for roasted meats or as a drizzle over grilled vegetables for a unique twist.
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📖 Recipe
Cranberry Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cranberries fresh or frozen 190g
- 1 cup white granulated sugar 200g
- 1 cup water 235ml
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pot.
- Stir it together, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the cranberries break down.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or jug and pour in the mixture. Press the cranberries into the strainer to extract as much cranberry syrup as possible.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then pour into a sanitized jar or bottle and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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