A Festive Cranberry Citrus Sipper for the Holidays
Ingredients
- 1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ c. honey
- ½ c. water
- 2 T whole cumin seeds
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 3 c. unsweetened cranberry juice
- 2 medium organic oranges each cut into 8 wedges
- Optional: ½ c. vodka
- 3 c. sparkling water
Optional Garnish:
- Additional cinnamon sticks
- 6 long rosemary sprigs, lower leaves removed, and threaded with fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Add cranberries, honey, water, cumin seeds, and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan and place over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the honey is melted and the spices are intensely fragrant.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a large glass or other non-reactive bowl. Add cranberry juice, orange wedges, and vodka, if using.
- Refrigerate for several hours to overnight.
- Once thoroughly chilled, remove from refrigerator and firmly squeeze each orange wedge into the bowl to capture the juice before discarding.
- Strain mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.
- To serve, fill serving glasses with ice and add enough of the seasoned cranberry juice mixture to fill each glass about 1/3 full.
- Top off each glass with sparkling water and stir to combine.
- Taste and sweeten with additional honey, if desired.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks and/or rosemary skewers and serve immediately.
Notes
A bright, cozy holiday drink that blends classic cranberry-orange warmth with a surprising hint of spice—perfect with or without a splash of vodka.
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