If you have never made Cranberry Simple Syrup, I highly recommend that you try this super easy recipe. It has endless uses and adds balanced sweetness and vibrancy to a variety of dishes. I have used this in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as a sweet sauce over chicken. Even my kids ask for this cranberry syrup — except they love it on pancakes!
I love using cranberry syrup for drinks, especially lemonade! It’s sweet without feeling too sweet and the fresh cranberry flavor is refreshingly tangy and addicting.
If you like simple syrup recipes, you will love homemade Blueberry Syrup and Fresh Pineapple Syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Simple Syrup
- Budget-friendly: Cranberries are a very inexpensive ingredient which makes this recipe great for any budget.
- Versatile recipe: This recipe has several uses, from cranberry simple syrup cocktails to an ice cream topping!
- Great warm or cold: Reheating this syrup is not necessary. It’s also great in cold or hot dishes.
Ingredients
With just 3 ingredients you will have an incredible homemade condiment using delicious cranberries.
- Cranberries: Feel free to use frozen or fresh cranberries in this recipe. They are naturally tart with a subtle sweetness.
- Water: Adding the water helps to thin out the syrup mixture as it cooks so you get the right consistency.
- Sugar: The go-to ingredient for simple syrup is granulated sugar/ It adds sweetness and thickens the syrup.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Syrup: Simmer the cranberry syrup mixture with a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and some star anise to infuse a spiced flavor.
- Cranberry Rosemary Syrup: Add a couple of sprigs of rosemary with the cranberries for a deep herb flavor.
- Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup: Use orange juice instead of water for a classic cranberry-orange combination.
- Sugar-Free Cranberry Syrup: Swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup
Here are the instructions on how to make cranberry syrup at home! It’s so simple and takes a minimal amount of time.
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan. Combine the cranberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan.
Step 2: Boil then lower the heat. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst.
Step 3: Cool and strain. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. Once cooled, run the cranberry syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove and solids.
Step 4: Transfer and store. Pour the strained mixture into mason jars or glass bottles and store tightly closed in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it.
⭐️ Hint: You can also use a cheesecloth to strain the solids from the syrup.
If you love making homemade syrups, you may also enjoy this Watermelon Syrup.
Storage Directions
- Refrigeration: Store this cranberry syrup in glass jars or bottles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheating: Heat gently over low heat in a saucepan or for a few seconds in the microwave.
- Freezing: You can even freeze this simple syrup. Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for 4-5 months. Thaw it on the counter or in the refrigerator before use.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle the syrup over Rhubarb Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
- Serve Mini German Pancakes for breakfast with this recipe. This is the perfect cranberry syrup for pancakes.
- Jazz up your Cranberry Margarita with bright cranberry simple syrup. It adds even more cranberry flavor!
- Add to Sous Vide Whole Chicken or Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin as a tart sauce.
- Use this cranberry syrup for other cocktails such as a simple mimosa.
Recipe Tips
- Keep the cranberries frozen: There’s no need to thaw the cranberries if you are using frozen.
- Save the cranberry solids: Don’t throw them out! Instead save them as a topping for cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt!
- Skip straining: If you enjoy the texture, leave the cranberries in the syrup instead of straining them out. It makes pancakes and waffles extra delicious.
Recipe FAQs
It has likely over-reduced. Since cranberries are naturally high in pectin (which is a thickener) if you cook the syrup for too long it will become thick and lumpy.
Sure! Use it as a sweetener for tea or to brighten up hot apple cider.
Gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat and a splash of water to dissolve the crystals.
Video
More Delicious Cranberry Dishes
Do you like cranberries? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Cranberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and put them in a saucepan with water and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Strain the syrup into a container to remove solids.
- Transfer to a mason jar or syrup bottle and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Use in drinks or drizzle over desserts.
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