Are you ready to elevate your holiday gatherings or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade liqueur? This cranberry orange liqueur recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers a sophisticated and intensely flavorful experience. It's the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet oranges, creating a delightful balance that's perfect for sipping on its own, or as a special ingredient in cocktails. Forget the store-bought stuff – this homemade version is far superior, and the process is rewarding from start to finish! This easy recipe is perfect for adding to your collection of quick dinner ideas or healthy meal options for the festive season.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 cup vodka or other neutral-tasting spirit (such as gin or rum for variations)
- Zest of 2 oranges (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, but adds warmth)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, vodka (or your chosen spirit), orange zest, and cinnamon stick (if using).
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Simmer Gently: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly.
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Cool and Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cool, strain the liqueur through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer into a clean glass container, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
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Bottle and Age (Optional): Pour the strained liqueur into a clean, airtight bottle. For a smoother, more well-rounded flavor, allow the liqueur to age for at least 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once aged (or immediately if you can’t wait!), serve your cranberry orange liqueur chilled. It’s delicious on its own, over ice cream, or as a unique addition to cocktails.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Liqueur:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice makes a significant difference in the flavor of the liqueur.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet liqueur, reduce the amount of sugar to ¾ cup or even ½ cup. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with adding other spices like cloves or star anise for a more complex flavor profile. A pinch of cardamom is also a delicious option.
- Citrus Variations: Try substituting some of the orange juice with other citrus juices like grapefruit or lemon for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. However, a general estimate per 1 ounce serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
- Sugar: Approximately 8-12g
This delicious and easy cranberry orange liqueur recipe makes a fantastic homemade gift or a special treat for yourself. It’s a versatile addition to your repertoire of food recipes, perfect for both easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy!