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Tangy, tart, and perfectly sweet this two-ingredient cranberry simple syrup recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes! As a bonus, you can add a dash of your favorite warming spices like cinnamon or allspice to use in your favorite drink recipes during the holidays!
One thing about my Wisconsinite self – if I can figure out a new way to enjoy cranberry, I’m going to. We not only produce nearly 60 – 70% of the nation’s cranberry crops, but we use them in so many recipes!
Want another great two-ingredient cranberry recipe? Might I suggest the Poinsettia Cocktail? It’s a delightful champagne drink that’s all sparkly and sweet.
Ingredients for this recipe
Cranberry Juice vs Cranberry Juice Cocktail
For this recipe you’ll want to make sure you’re using real cranberry juice, and not cranberry juice cocktail which comes pre-sweetened and is often mixed with other juices.
Ocean Spray makes small bottles of 100% pure cranberry juice that are the perfect size for this recipe.
The quickest cranberry simple syrup
This is just a brief overview, find detailed instructions in the recipe card below!
Using fresh cranberries for simple syrup
More often than not, I try to use fresh fruit or whole ingredients when I’m making simple syrup. Like my rhubarb simple syrup made with real chunks of rhubarb!
For this simple syrup variation, however, I found that I got better results using the cranberry juice instead of the fresh fruit. It was just more flavorful!
You get a real punch of cranberry in this syrup recipe instead of a more mellow flavor from whole cranberries.
However! If you’re wanting to use whole cranberries, you can. Here’s how:
- Add 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a small saucepan and cook until dissolved.
- Add 2 cups (about 7 – 8 ounces) fresh cranberries to the simple syrup and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain out the cranberry solids and discard.
- Use the syrup as you would the two ingredient, juice-based version.
The naturally occurring pectin in cranberries does mean that if you boil the syrup too long though, it’ll be less like a syrup and more like fresh cranberry compote. Sounds strange, but it’s true!
Ways to serve
Stir this cranberry simple syrup into a glass of lemonade or sparkling water for a delightful mocktail. Or, go the full cocktail route and make a cranberry margarita! They’re perfect for your holiday hosting. Or, anytime, really.
Watch the recipe video!
Two Ingredient Cranberry Simple Syrup (great for drinks!)
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mason Jar with Lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cranberry juice (not cranberry juice cocktail)
- Pinch ground cinnamon, cloves, and/or allspice (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup cranberry juice. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved into water, about 5 minutes.
- If syrup simmers ever so slightly, that’s ok, just be sure not to let it rapidly boil. If desired, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cloves, allspice, or all of the above.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and pour into glass storage jar.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before covering and storing in refrigerator.
Video
Notes
- Simple syrup can be stored, covered, in the fridge, for up to two months. If it develops an off color or smell, looks cloudy, or has mold, discard immediately.
- Nutrition facts calculated without the addition of spices.
Nutrition
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