Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe: Homemade Syrup for Cocktails & Desserts

Cranberry Simple Syrup is a bright, flavorful syrup that instantly lifts cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Cranberry pairs beautifully with a wide range of spirits—vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey—as well as with sparkling water, coffee, iced tea, or lemonade. It’s an ideal addition for holiday drinks like Christmas and Thanksgiving cocktails, and it also works well in mocktails and warm beverages.

At its core, simple syrup is just sugar and water, infused with whatever flavor you choose. This cranberry version is quick to make and stores well in the refrigerator for everyday use or entertaining.

Cranberry Simple Syrup

Cranberry Simple Syrup Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make homemade cranberry syrup. Quantities and full instructions appear in the recipe card below.

  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Fresh cranberries
Cranberry Simple Syrup Ingredients
Fine mesh strainer

Special Tool Needed

You’ll want a fine mesh strainer to strain out cranberry solids for a smooth syrup.

How to Make Cranberry Simple Syrup

  1. Combine sugar, water, and fresh cranberries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 8–10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to soften.
  2. Remove from heat and gently mash the cranberries with a fork to release their juices. Cover and let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes.
  3. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container, pressing gently to extract the syrup and leaving solids behind.
Cranberry Simple Syrup

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 7 days. For longer storage, consider freezing in ice cube trays and thawing as needed.

More Flavored Simple Syrup

  • Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
  • Lemon Rosemary Simple Syrup
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Cranberry Simple Syrup

A vibrant cranberry syrup that enhances cocktails, mocktails, and beverages with a fresh-tart flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Cook Time 10 mins
Cooling Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Course Cocktails
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 51 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

  • Combine the sugar, water, and fresh cranberries in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 8–10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to soften.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Mash the cranberries gently with a fork to release their juices.
  • Cover and set aside to cool for 30 minutes.
  • Once cool, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any cranberry solids and transfer the strained syrup to a clean jar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1
Calories: 51kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a general guide.

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