Learn how to make Cranberry Simple Syrup with this easy recipe! Perfect for holiday cocktails, mocktails, desserts, and even as a thoughtful homemade gift. This sweet-tart syrup adds festive flavor to drinks and dishes, with tips for storage, uses, and freezing.
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Why You Will Love Cranberry Syrup
I’ve figured out the secret to making cranberry simple syrup that’s not just tasty but also clear and smooth: don’t boil it. Just bring it to a simmer, let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let the cranberries steep. That steeping step is like letting the cranberries do their magic, infusing the syrup with flavor and color without over-thickening it from all the natural pectin they carry. It’s a small thing but it makes a big difference—you’ll end up with a syrup that’s pure and beautiful.
I love giving this as a holiday gift. It’s one of those homemade touches that feels so personal and special without being hard. One of my favorite ideas? A cocktail gift basket! Include a bottle of cranberry simple syrup, a couple of mini vodka bottles, a fresh lemon (because every good cocktail needs a twist of citrus!), and a pair of martini glasses. It’s festive, thoughtful, and a guaranteed conversation starter. And if you’re gifting to someone who doesn’t drink, the syrup is just as good in sparkling water or drizzled over desserts.
I promise you, once you make cranberry simple syrup this way—simmered just enough to release the flavor and steeped to perfection—you’ll not only wow your holiday guests but also have a gift that says you really care. It’s the little things that make homemade so much better.
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar into water, creating a smooth, versatile ingredient. Cranberry simple syrup is a seasonal twist on the classic, combining tart cranberries with sugar and water to create a beautifully vibrant syrup that’s perfect for holiday celebrations or everyday use.
How to Use Cranberry Simple Syrup
I love a good simple syrup, especially one as versatile as cranberry! Sure it’s great for drinks—cranberry martinis, mojitos, or try this cranberry spritzer or with a splash sparkling water for a mocktail—but it doesn’t stop there.
This syrup is a holiday kitchen staple that can add flavor to so many things.
- Drizzle over ice cream
- Warm and use on pancakes or waffles!
- On a bowl of yogurt for a tangy sweet twist.
- It’s also amazing on desserts like pound cake, adds moisture and cranberry flavor.
- But don’t forget its savory side! Brush it over roasted meats like ham or turkey as a glaze—the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Let’s not forget gift giving. Package this cranberry simple syrup in a decorative jar, tie with a ribbon, and one of my free printable Christmas gift tags and voilà! You’ve got a thoughtful edible gift that friends and family will love. Pair it with a fresh lemon, a bottle of sparkling water, or even some mini vodka bottles for a cute cocktail kit. It’s the way to spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients for Cranberry Simple Syrup
- Sugar: I use all-natural cane sugar, but you can also use regular white sugar.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, for fresh, pick through them, pulling out the mushy ones and tossing.
- Water: I like using filtered water in my cooking and baking!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Fresh Cranberry Syrup
Making cranberry simple syrup is, well, simple and fun.
Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a gentle simmer—don’t boil hard, or the syrup will get too thick from the cranberries’ natural pectin.
Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
Place a fine mesh sieve over large bowl and pour cranberries and mixture into the strainer, allowing it to sit and cool. Push gently on the cranberries to get all that sweet syrup.
Fresh Tip
- Don’t throw away those cranberries! Cool and store them in an airtight container and stir into oatmeal, yogurt, muffins, cakes and more!
Storage Tips for Cranberry Syrup
Store in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge for about 2 weeks, but I have had it last up to a month in the coldest part of the fridge or freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Variations for Cranberry Simple Syrup
Get creative with your cranberry simple syrup by adding unique flavors or making adjustments to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Orange Zest and Juice: Add the zest of one orange and 2–3 tablespoons of orange juice to the mixture for a bright, citrusy twist. It pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries.
- Warm Spices: While simmering, add a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, spiced version perfect for holiday drinks and desserts.
- Vanilla Bean: Split a vanilla bean and let it steep with the cranberries for a subtle, luxurious sweetness. Alternatively, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract after straining the syrup.
- Herb-Infused: During the steeping process, add a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or even mint to create a sophisticated herbaceous flavor.
- Sugar-Free Version: To make a sugar-free version, swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like a cup-for-cup monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or erythritol. Adjust the quantity to taste since some substitutes are sweeter than sugar.
Ways to Use Cranberry Simple Syrup
Cranberry simple syrup is one of those recipes that’s as useful as it is tasty! Of course, it’s amazing in cocktails and mocktails—hello, cranberry martinis and festive sparkling mocktails—but it’s also a holiday kitchen workhorse beyond the drink glass.
- Dessert Heaven: Drizzle it over cakes or cupcakes to keep them moist and flavorful—try it on a Kentucky Butter Cake for a holiday twist!
- Or pour it over vanilla ice cream, topped with candied cranberries for an easy, elegant dessert.
- It’s also a great substitute for liquid in frosting recipes, giving cakes or cookies a gorgeous natural pink color.
- Breakfast Bonus: Use it as a syrup for pancakes, waffles, or even a Dutch Baby! Add it to oatmeal for a tangy-sweet start to your day.
- Savory Surprises: Mix the syrup into marinades for pork, chicken, ham or turkey for a sweet-and-sour glaze perfect for the holidays. Feeling naughty? Use it as a dipping sauce for Monte Cristo sandwiches—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
- Everyday Favorites: Sweetened iced tea, lemonade, lemon-lime soda, or seltzer water for a quick pick-me-up.
- Drizzle it over plain yogurt or fruit salad for an easy snack upgrade.
- And don’t forget gift-giving! Bottle up this syrup in a pretty jar, tie it with a ribbon, attach a few recipe ideas, and be sure to put one of my Free DIY Christmas Gift Tags on it. It’s a thoughtful, fun gift that friends and family will love.
Whether you’re stirring it into drinks, drizzling it over desserts or glazing savory dishes, this cranberry syrup is a holiday staple you’ll use again and again!
FAQs for Cranberry Syrup
Can You Freeze Cranberry Simple Syrup?
Yes, freezing cranberry simple syrup is a great way to have it beyond the holiday season. Pour into ice cube trays for individual servings and store the frozen cubes in a freezer safe bag. Thaw as needed for drinks, recipes or as an impromptu holiday gift to brighten someone’s day.
Boiling cranberries can release too much of their natural pectin, making the syrup cloudy or overly thick, more like jelly, especially once refrigerated. Instead, gently simmer for about 5 minutes and allow the mixture to steep after removing it from the heat. This ensures a clear, perfectly textured syrup.
Either fresh or frozen cranberries work great! If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand—just toss them into the saucepan and proceed with the recipe.
The key is not to overcook it. Simmer for just 5 minutes and avoid boiling. Cranberries’ natural pectin will cause the syrup to thicken slightly in the fridge, but it should still pour easily.
You can, but remember that sugar acts as a preservative, so using less may reduce the syrup’s shelf life. If you prefer a less sweet version, try reducing the sugar by no more than 25% for best results.
That’s it! See, I told you, super simple, Cranberry Simple Syrup! Now go on, make yourself a cocktail or a spritzer, you deserve it!
Try these other simple syrups:
- Hibiscus Simple Syrup: A huge favorite of mine, not only is it gorgeous (naturally) in color, but adds great flavor to drinks, would be delicious drizzled on yogurt, oatmeal or pancakes too!
- Blueberry Syrup: Another naturally flavored and colored syrup! WOW! Try it over pancakes, waffles, on ice cream and yogurt!
- Mint Simple Syrup: Wouldn’t this be amazing in any Mojito or Mint Julep?
- Gingerbread Simple Syrup: Now we are talking! With this all-natural and delicious syrup, you can become a barista in your own home.
- Lavender Simple Syrup: I think I could just sit and smell this delicious syrup. I could see drizzling this in a cup of Earl Gray tea or brushing on a lemon cake.
- Cane Syrup: Sweeten coffee, teas, cocktails, mocktails and more!
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Equipment
Ingredients
Cranberry Simple Syrup
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries 1 bag, about 2 ½ cups, frozen works too
- 1 ½ cups water filtered is best here
- 1 cup all natural cane sugar or white sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cranberries. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. But not a hard boil.
- Allow it to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sugar has completely dissolved, stirring occasionally and the cranberries have burst and softened.
- Remove from heat and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heat-proof bowl. Transfer the cranberry simple syrup into glass containers, and it's ready to be served as you like.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, though I’ve had mine last up to a month. Or freeze in smaller portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge or on counter until thawed. This recipe easily doubles or triples.Try using this for a Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini or this cranberry refresher!
Save the cooked cranberries and use them in baking, with pork dishes, chicken or turkey, on yogurt, and stirred into oatmeal. Sugar-Free Cranberry Simple Syrup You can easily make this sugar-free by swapping the regular sugar for a monk fruit sugar replacement (my favorite brand). Use in place of simple syrup in any of your favorite cocktail or mocktail recipes. Add a splash to sparkling waters for a non-alcoholic festive drink! See the post for lots of ways to use this simple syrup.Nutrition
Joanne Shaw
For making the cranberry simple syrup, can you use frozen and then thaw before making it?
I would think you wouldn’t even have to thaw them, probably just cook a bit longer!