Cranberry Orange Vodka Recipe

I enjoy making liqueurs, and my Cranberry Orange Vodka is a holiday delight that is not hard to create. I start with 1 cup of fresh cranberries.

These are not only tart and flavorful but also super healthful, packing a real wallop in antioxidants and vitamin C. Next, I add the zest and juice of a medium orange.

The vodka turns a lovely ruby color. And while its appearance is certainly part of the appeal, the flavor is what really rocks.

Both the cranberries and the orange bring an uplifting quality to this infusion. Their combination is nothing short of splendid.

To sweeten my blend, I use 1/2 cup of sugar mixed with 1/4 cup of water to create a simple syrup that balances the tartness of the cranberries and the zing of the orange. I then add it to a combination of 2 cups of vodka.

Vodka serves as a neutral spirit that absorbs the flavors beautifully, resulting in a vibrant and refreshing concoction with a perfect blend of tart, sweet, and citrusy notes. This infusion is not just a taste treat but also a visually stunning addition to any festive gathering, making it a fantastic gift for the holidays or a way to class up any kind of gathering.

Ingredients

Fresh Cranberries:
Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants; sour taste.

Orange Zest:
Imparts an aromatic citrus scent; provides vitamin C.

Orange Juice:
Sweet and tangy flavors; strengthens the body’s defenses.

Vodka:
Balances the flavors and serves as the base for the infusion’s aroma.

Sugar:
Balances and sweetens tartness; provides a rapid energy boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
• 2 cups vodka
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Wash the fresh cranberries and dry them with a paper towel.

2. In a small saucepan, mix the following ingredients: cranberries, sugar, and water.

3. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to burst, 5-7 minutes.

4. Take the saucepan off the burner and allow the cranberry blend to cool to room temperature.

5. Add the cooled cranberry mixture to a large, clean jar.

6. Combine the cranberries with the orange zest and the orange juice in the jar.

7. Over the cranberry and orange mixture in the jar, pour the vodka.

8. Tightly seal the lid on the jar, and shake it well to combine the ingredients.

9. A cool, dark place. Store the jar there for at least two weeks. Shake it gently every couple of days. Let the flavors meld.

10. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, and enjoy your cranberry-orange vodka.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander or strainer
2. Paper towels
3. Small saucepan
4. Stirring spoon
5. Measuring cups
6. Zester
7. Citrus juicer
8. Large jar with lid
9. Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
10. Clean bottle

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?You can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them before using for the best infusion.
• Q: How long should I let the vodka infuse?Let the vodka steep for a minimum of 3-5 days so that the taste can reach its full potential.
• Q: Can I adjust the amount of sugar?You can taste and adjust the sugar, or use a sweetener of your choice.
• Q: Is it necessary to zest the orange?A: If you want a more intense orange flavor, then zest the orange. If you want a milder orange flavor, then you can just use the juice. Zesting is a more concentrated way to get the flavor into your food.
• Q: How do I store the infused vodka?Refrigerate the bottled or jarred infused vodka in a seal-tight environment.
• Q: Can I use different fruit variations?Certainly! You might enjoy the results if you play around with other fruits, such as lime or lemon, for a change of pace.

Substitutions and Variations

Cranberries, fresh: Substitute with 1 cup of frozen cranberries, thawed.
Orange, medium, zested and juiced: Substituting makes it a lemon, medium, zested and juiced, for our recipe using a citrus punch.
When a recipe calls for vodka, you can use 2 cups of gin instead. This will result in a very different flavor profile, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Instead of sugar, use 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
Substitute with 1/4 cup cranberry juice for extra flavor.