How to Make Cranberry Juice (Stovetop | Sugar Free Optional)
How to make cranberry juice at home with just two ingredients (plus water), no juicer or blender, and in under 30 minutes on the stovetop! This super refreshing, sweet and tart homemade cranberry juice is packed with flavor and nutrients and can be made with fresh or frozen cranberries.
sweeteneryou can use the sweetener of your choice: maple, honey (what I used), granulated sugar, or a sugar-free option like erythritol/stevia. Adjust the amount to taste
In a large pan (or Dutch oven), combine the cranberries and water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until the cranberries are softened, and the majority have popped.
Step 2: Strain the Cranberry Juice
Pour the mixture through a sieve or nut milk bag, allowing all the liquid through and then pressing with the back of your spoon (if using a sieve) or squeezing with your hands (if using a nut milk bag, but only when it’s cool enough to do so) to get as much excess liquid from the cranberries as possible.
Mix well, add your sweetener of choice (to taste) and then allow the juice to cool down.If you’re using a granulated sugar/sweetener, you’ll likely need to return it to the pan to reheat until the sugar dissolves.
Once cool, either drink the juice immediately or transfer the juice to an airtight jar/bottle in the fridge to save for later!Don’t discard the leftover cranberry puree. Read the FAQs for my suggestions on how to use this!
How to Store?
Store: once cool, store the homemade cranberry juice in a clean jar/container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days (though drinking it within the first 2-3 is best nutritionally).When the juice is no longer safe to drink, it will smell off and develop mold. Freeze: I like to freeze leftover juice in 1/4-1/2 cup portions in an XL silicon ice-cube tray. That way, it’s easy to thaw only what’s needed. This way, you can freeze the healthy cranberry juice for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Use a non-reactive pan: when making cranberry juice, it’s important to use a non-aluminum/non-reactive pan as the juice can taste slightly metallic otherwise.
For a more fibrous juice: if you don’t mind a pulp juice, you could transfer the juice and some (or all) of the cooked cranberries to a blender and blitz into a pulpy juice, then enjoy. Extra fiber for you means extra gut-healthy benefits!
When to add the honey: some prefer not to use honey in any hot recipes, as it will destroy some of the nutrients. If you’re worried about this, you can add the honey when the juice is only lukewarm instead.
Sweeten to taste: everyone’s desired sweetness level will differ, so start by adding a small amount and adjust, tasting in-between, until it reaches your sweet spot (no pun intended!).
Using the cranberry juice: along with enjoying the homemade cranberry juice as-is, you can add it to juice blends, smoothies, cocktails, or even make a quick mocktail by topping it up with some sparkling water. Delicious!
To increase the recipe: just remember to use a 1:1 ratio of cranberries and water (i.e., 1 cup cranberries to 1 cup water), and that way, you can easily adjust how much you prepare.
Make sure to use a heat-proof pitcher/jar: otherwise, it may crack when you pour in the hot juice.
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
Orange juice: orange juice is a popular addition. It pairs wonderfully with the cranberries while adding some natural sweetness. Use oranges, clementines, mandarins, etc. For a very subtle flavor enhancement, add just a tablespoon or two of the juice.
Lemon/Lime juice: for added brightness to the juice (add alone or alongside orange juice), add a splash of lemon or lime juice.
Pineapple juice: pineapple juice is a great way to naturally sweeten this recipe, so you can add less additional sweetener. Plus, the combination tastes delicious.
Apple juice: freshly squeezed apple juice is another way to naturally sweeten the cranberry juice.
Cinnamon: add a cinnamon stick to the simmering mixture for a subtle aromatic cinnamon-infused juice.
Check the blog post for more top tios and answers to FAQs!