How to Make Cranberry Juice from Fresh Cranberries

Cranberry juice from fresh cranberries can be sweetened to taste.

Cranberry juice made from fresh cranberries is a common drink served at Swedish lunch tables. However, it's easy to make your own at home with only a few simple ingredients. This recipe yields approximately 1 qt. of fresh cranberry juice and can be easily customized to your desired level of sweetness.

Things You'll Need

• Cranberries
• Fresh lemon juice
• Blender
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium saucepan
• Granulated sugar
• Drink pitcher
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

1. Add 2 cups of water and 1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice to a clean blender container.

2. Add 4 cups of fresh cranberries to the lemon juice and water mixture. Blend on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until a thick liquid is achieved, and no solid chunks are visible.

3. Place the lidded blender container in the refrigerator and allow it to steep overnight. Remove the container in the morning, and strain the cranberry juice through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Discard any solid material.

4. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the saucepan and heat over medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup of cold water. You may add more or less water, depending on your tastes. Less water will yield sweeter cranberry juice.

6. Transfer the cranberry juice to a drink pitcher, and chill in the refrigerator before serving. Add ice cubes, if desired, to speed the chilling process.

Tips & Warnings

• Store fresh cranberry juice in the refrigerator for up to three days before discarding any unused portion.

• To make the recipe diabetic- or diet-friendly, leave out the sugar and add artificial sweetener to individual servings, according to taste.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish