Irresistible Cranberry Vodka Recipe for Perfect Holiday Cocktails
A festive and vibrant cranberry-infused vodka that’s perfect for holiday cocktails or gifting. This easy recipe combines tart cranberries, a touch of sweetness, and optional spices for a delicious holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3–5 days (including infusion time)
- Yield: Approximately 750 ml 1x
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and dried
- 750 ml vodka
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Orange zest (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the fresh cranberries thoroughly. Using a knife or fork, gently pierce each cranberry to release their flavor during the infusion process.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mason jar or glass bottle, add the pierced cranberries, cooled simple syrup, orange zest (if using), and cinnamon stick (if using). Pour the vodka over the ingredients until the jar is full, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake. Store it in a cool, dark place for at least 3–5 days. Shake the jar gently each day to help the flavors blend.
- After the infusion period, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the solids from the liquid. Pour the cranberry-infused vodka into a clean bottle or jar for storage.
- Serve chilled over ice, mix into cocktails, or use as a gift.
Notes
[‘Choose a mid-range vodka for the best results; avoid flavored vodkas.’, ‘Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen ones can be used if thawed.’, ‘Allow at least 3–5 days for the infusion process for optimal flavor.’, ‘Experiment with add-ins like star anise, cloves, or vanilla beans for unique variations.’, ‘Store in the refrigerator for up to a month or in the freezer for longer freshness.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 oz
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7
- Carbohydrates: 7
Keywords: cranberry vodka, holiday cocktail, festive drink, cranberry infusion, vodka recipe, holiday gift, cranberry drink