Description

Say goodbye to store-bought cranberry juice and hello to pure, homemade bliss! This Homemade Cranberry Juice is ruby-red, refreshingly tart, and just sweet enough to make your taste buds dance. Made with only three simple ingredients, it’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with real cranberry flavor—no additives, no mystery ingredients, just nature at its best. Whether you sip it over ice, mix it into cocktails, or bottle it for the holidays, this recipe turns humble berries into something truly special.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw)
4 cups water
½ to 1 cup sugar, to taste (or honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit for alternatives)

Instructions

Simmer: Combine cranberries and water in a large, non-reactive pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until berries pop and soften.
Strain: Pour through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl. Let drain naturally for 10–15 minutes. For clear juice, avoid pressing too hard on the solids.
Sweeten: Return juice to the pot. Stir in ½ cup sugar and heat on low until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
Optional – Canning: Pour hot juice into sterilized jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

Notes

Spiced Cranberry: Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, or ginger for a cozy twist.
Citrus Boost: Stir in orange zest after straining for a sunny flavor.
Cran-Apple Bliss: Replace half the water with apple juice for natural sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 50cal Per Serving
Sugar: 4g
Carbohydrates: 13g