Description

This homemade cranberry juice recipe is fresh, naturally tart, and full of antioxidants and vitamin C. Learn how to make healthy, preservative-free cranberry juice at home in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and customizable sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
4 cups filtered water
½–1 cup natural sweetener (organic cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or stevia)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
½ cup fresh orange juice (optional)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1–2 slices fresh ginger (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
¼ cup apple juice (optional for natural sweetness)

Instructions

Rinse cranberries under cool running water and remove any soft or discolored berries.
In a large stainless steel or glass saucepan, combine 4 cups water with the cranberries.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20–25 minutes until cranberries burst and liquid deepens in color.
Use a spoon or potato masher to gently mash the cranberries, releasing more juice.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large glass bowl or pitcher, pressing the pulp to extract all juice.
While the juice is still warm, stir in your preferred sweetener until dissolved. Adjust to taste.
Add lemon juice or orange juice to brighten the flavor, then cool the juice completely to room temperature.
Transfer to glass jars or bottles, refrigerate immediately, and enjoy chilled.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the cranberries to prevent bitterness and nutrient loss. Always sweeten while warm for even flavor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Shake before serving as natural separation may occur.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Beverages
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
Calories: 116
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0.3g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cranberry juice, homemade juice, healthy drink, fresh cranberry recipe, vitamin C beverage