This homemade cranberry simple syrup is here to help you get into the holiday spirit! Add festive flavor to Christmas cocktails, mocktails, and more with our bright and warmly spiced cranberry syrup. It’s easy to make, and it’s ready in 20 minutes!
Sometimes it’s the simplest touches—like swirling spiced cranberry syrup into a drink—that make the season feel extra special. I keep a batch of this holiday-spiced syrup in the fridge throughout the holidays, and its bright red color and warm, cozy spices instantly add festive flair to cocktails, mocktails, and even sparkling water.
It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. I simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with water, sugar (or honey), plenty of fresh ginger, and a mix of winter spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns. As the cranberries burst, the syrup turns vibrant and fragrant. Once strained, it’s ready to use and keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.
I usually make a big batch so I have plenty on hand, then pour the extra into small bottles, tie them with twine, and gift them to friends or holiday hosts. It’s one of those simple, thoughtful homemade treats that feels just right this time of year.
How to use cranberry simple syrup
For drinks, add festive flavor to holiday cocktails, mocktails, and cranberry lemonade .
For breakfast , pour some over cranberry french toast or cranberry pancakes . It’s delicious swirled into plain yogurt, too.
For dessert , pour it over homemade vanilla ice cream .
Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ▢ 2 cups water
- ▢ 1 cup sugar (can use honey)
- ▢ 10 slices peeled fresh ginger
- ▢ 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- ▢ 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ▢ 4 star anise
- ▢ 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add the cranberries, water, sugar, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick to a small pot over medium-high heat. 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 cups water, 10 slices peeled fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup sugar
- As soon as the liquid starts to simmer, turn the heat to low. Crush the cranberries with the back of a spoon then simmer very gently for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Strain the cranberries through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the cranberries to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer the syrup to a clean jar and store it in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar , can use honey
- 10 slices peeled fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 4 star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add the cranberries, water, sugar, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick to a small pot over medium-high heat. 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 cups water, 10 slices peeled fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 4 star anise, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup sugar
- As soon as the liquid starts to simmer, turn the heat to low. Crush the cranberries with the back of a spoon then simmer very gently for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Strain the cranberries through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the cranberries to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer the syrup to a clean jar and store it in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.
