So, Christmas is over. We’re nearing the end of the “holiday season.” I’m always left feeling a little deflated during this time of the year. It’s like a mix between excitement for a fresh start and a little bit of holiday fatigue that happens after the presents are unwrapped, food is eaten, and the decorations are put away. While I was sitting in holiday-coma-mode, Derek became inspired to create a recipe he saw on TikTok (yeah, you heard that right) with an ingredient you can find in plenty this time of the year. It was DELICIOUS and the perfect pick-me-up for the weeks following Christmas (way to go, Derek!). I am excited to share the first installment of By Scratch: Homemade Cranberry Juice!
Derek is in love with TikTok. Seriously. He’s always chuckling over it (usually just dumb videos, to be honest) BUT sometimes he learns some neat stuff. He likes to cook — much to my liking — and will often look for fresh concoctions to attempt. This one turned out great and was pretty quick and easy, too.
By Scratch: Homemade Cranberry Juice
You will need…
- 2 quarts water
- 8 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (we used fresh)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (can substitute honey)
- 1/2 cups lemon juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Let’s Do This Thing!
- In a large saucepan, bring water and cranberries to a boil
- Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes (cranberries should begin to pop)
- Strain berries through a strainer — mottle berries with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible — then discard berries
- Return the juice to the original pan
- Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and orange juice
- Bring mix to a boil, stirring until sugar is fully disolved
- Remove from heat and let cool
- Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate
- Serve chilled
I actually drank this while it was still hot and LOVED it! It’s obviously terrific chilled but I think it makes a yummy piping hot treat for a cold winter’s night. Derek mixed in a little vodka for himself for an evening cocktail. The kids love it, too (just the juice…not the cocktail)! I never thought to make our own cranberry juice but it’s something we will do again. Simple, easy, and a delicious homemade treat! Do you have a favorite cranberry recipe? Please share!
Take a look at this recipe for another seasonal treat!
Be well, friends!
