Imagine transforming ordinary drinks and desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences with just one magical ingredient. Our Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup is not just a condiment – it's a game-changing flavor bomb that will elevate everything from cocktails to breakfast dishes. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, tangy-sweet syrup that promises to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, bursting with the bright notes of fresh cranberries and zesty orange.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 orange for zesting and juicing.
- Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any that are soft or damaged.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar before placing the saucepan over medium heat.
- As the mixture heats, zest the orange using a microplane or a zester, being careful to only remove the outer orange layer and not the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside.
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved in the water, add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the cranberries simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will burst, releasing their natural juices into the syrup.
- While the cranberries are simmering, squeeze the juice from the orange into a small bowl, removing any seeds. You should have about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice.
- After the cranberries have burst and the syrup has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the orange juice and the reserved orange zest, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Let the syrup cool in the saucepan for a few minutes. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or container, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Allow the cranberry orange simple syrup to cool completely before sealing the jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This syrup can be used in cocktails, drizzled over pancakes, or added to sparkling water for a refreshing drink. Enjoy your homemade cranberry orange simple syrup!
Tips
- • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best flavor and color intensity. • When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith, which can add bitterness. • Gently press the cranberries while they simmer to help release more flavor. • For a smoother syrup, strain thoroughly using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. • Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. • Experiment with different uses: cocktail mixer, pancake topping, or sparkling water enhancement. • If you prefer a less sweet syrup, you can reduce the sugar slightly to taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
