Vibrant tart cranberry juice (Printable)
A vibrant tart cranberry juice made from fresh berries, ideal for a healthy and refreshing drink.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (400 g)
→ Liquids
02 - 5 cups water (1.2 liters)
→ Sweetener
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g), adjust to taste
→ Optional Additions
04 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
# Steps:
01 - Rinse cranberries thoroughly, removing any soft or discolored berries.
02 - Combine cranberries and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
03 - Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and soften.
04 - Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing solids to extract juice. Discard solids.
05 - Return the strained juice to the saucepan. Stir in sugar over low heat until dissolved, then adjust sweetness as desired.
06 - Incorporate lemon juice and orange zest if using, stirring to combine.
07 - Allow the juice to cool. Transfer to a clean pitcher or bottle and refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice or as preferred.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its so much brighter and less sweet than store-bought, you can actually taste the fruit.
- You control the sugar, so it wont make your teeth ache.
- It doubles as a cocktail mixer that makes everything look festive.
02 -
- Dont skip straining or youll end up with pulpy juice that feels gritty.
- Add sugar while the juice is still warm, it dissolves way faster than if you wait.
03 -
- Taste before you add all the sugar, cranberries vary in tartness and you might need less than you think.
- If you want it less tart, add a pinch of salt along with the sugar, it balances the flavor without making it sweeter.