Cranberry Simple Syrup

To instantly brighten any cocktail or drink, tart and sweet cranberry simple syrup is the answer. Perfect for holiday cranberry cocktails, use this versatile syrup to sweeten tea and lemonade, drizzle over breakfast or dessert, or to brush over a cake for added moisture and flavor.

We love using fresh cranberries for this cranberry simple syrup, especially during the winter when they’re plentiful, but frozen cranberries will work just as well year-round. (And there’s no need to thaw them before preparing the syrup.)

Although super simple to make (pun intended), there is one thing to keep an eye on while preparing this syrup: cooking temperature. Simmering the mixture on medium-low ensures the cranberries pop and release their juices, but prevents them from releasing too much pectin, which will gel up your syrup.

Learn how to make cranberry simple syrup, and keep a jar on hand all season for so many wonderful uses.

What Is Simple Syrup?

A cooked mixture of sugar and water, simple syrup is a liquid sweetener that easily dissolves into any mixture it's added to. For this reason, it's often used as a sweetener for cocktails, beverages, and desserts. It can even be used as a syrupy topping for breakfast dishes.

Simple syrup can also be flavored in a variety of ways, by infusing or adding fruit, spices, herbs, and more into the liquid during the cooking process.

Ingredients for Cranberry Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is classically made with just two ingredients: sugar and water. We jazz this syrup up with fresh (or frozen) cranberries, and a hint of maple syrup and salt to further enhance the flavor of this seasonal sweetener. To make cranberry simple syrup, you'll need:

• Water: The liquid base of the syrup that the sugar dissolves into.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and acts as a preservative.
• Maple syrup: For a hint of a caramelized, earthy flavor to complement the cranberries. You can leave out if needed, or substitute with agave or honey for a slightly different flavor.
• Fresh cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used to add rich color and flavor the syrup.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the syrup and helps enhance the cranberry flavor.

How To Make Cranberry Simple Syrup

A quick simmer, mash, and strain is all that's needed to create this gorgeously ruby-colored, fruit-forward simple syrup at home. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Simmer ingredients: Bring water, sugar, maple syrup, cranberries, and salt to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Step 2. Mash cranberries: Simmer over medium-low until cranberries burst. Mash cranberries with a wooden spoon and cook 3 minutes. Let cool slightly.
• Step 3. Separate syrup from solids: Pour mixture through a fine strainer; discard solids. Transfer liquid to a storage container.

Ways To Use Cranberry Simple Syrup

The bright color and flavor of the cranberry simple syrup makes it a festive, seasonal addition to a variety of beverages and desserts:

• Beverages: Use this syrup for cranberry lemonade, iced tea, sodas and spritzers, or fruit-flavored water.
• Mocktails or cocktails: Cranberry syrup adds deep color and flavor to a cranberry margarita, sangrias, cosmopolitans, mojitos, and more.
• Breakfast: Pour over waffles, pancakes, French toast, oatmeal, or yogurt for a sweet touch.
• Dressings, marinades, and more: Use as a base for salad dressing, marinades, or glazes.
• Fruit salad: Toss into fruit salad for a glossy, sweet finish.
• Cakes: Brush over warm layer cakes before stacking to moisten them and add additional flavor.
• Desserts: Drizzle over slices of holiday cheesecake, ice cream, or pound cake, or use to sweeten blended fruits to freeze for light and fruity popsicles.

Variations for Cranberry Simple Syrup

This syrup is perfectly balanced with sweet and tart notes from fresh cranberries. To add a unique twist, consider these variations:

• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and more can be added for a hint of spice.
• Citrus: Orange, grapefruit, or lemon peel can add a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Aromatics: Thyme, rosemary, lavender, or vanilla can add another level of flavor.
• Other fruits: Have a bounty of ripe fruit to use up? Add complexity to the syrup by substituting some of the cranberries with ripe pears, chopped apples, frozen cherries, or any other fruits while cooking.

How To Store Cranberry Simple Syrup

Prepare this cranberry simple syrup to have on hand for your next event, or to keep in your fridge for mixing up a flavorful iced tea or lemonade when the mood strikes. Store the prepared syrup in an airtight container or sealed jar for up to two weeks. You can even opt for a jar with a spout lid for easy pouring.

More Flavorful Simple Syrup Recipes You'll Love

If you love the idea of cranberry simple syrup, these fruity and herbal simple syrups are just as versatile and easy to prepare:

• Honey Simple Syrup
• Peach Simple Syrup
• Watermelon Simple Syrup
• Thyme Simple Syrup
• Vanilla Syrup
• Juniper Syrup
• Lemon Balm Simple Syrup

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.