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    Home » Drinks » Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

    Dec 22, 2016 · Modified: Nov 3, 2020 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 7 Comments

    Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

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    Baby, it's cold outside. And you should be drinking your cranberry cocktail warm with plenty of seasonal spices and vodka. This is the perfect holiday drink and will warm you right up!

    A mason jar filled with hot spiced cranberry cocktail with star anise and cranberry garnish with a second cocktail and tinsel in the background with recipe title at top

    Three degree weather shouldn't even be a thing. Right?? I'm pretty sure I would have just stayed in bed when it was legit three degrees last week if it weren't for the fact that I had multiple important meetings I kind of sort of had to be at.

    But my bed was sooo comfortable with my pup all cuddled up with me and the wind ridiculously loud outside. Thank goodness for a coffee maker that I can start from my bed or else who knows where I'd be right now. Most likely still under the covers.

    Does anyone else have a seriously tough time getting out of bed at this time of year? Raise your hand.

    While coffee generally gives me enough motivation to get up and start my day, I think a warm cocktail would be an even better reward. If only that were socially acceptable! A hot spiced cranberry cocktail would surely have me leaping out of bed!

    I love making my own homemade cranberry juice, but I generally chill it before drinking it. Since it's getting so cold out, I kept thinking how delicious it would be served warm. So, I made another batch of cranberry juice and served it warm and in cocktail form.

    And it was so comforting and lovely that I now want to enjoy a glass every day when I get home from work. And every morning when I wake up. I promise I've been resisting.

    How to Make Homemade Cranberry Juice

    To enjoy this hot spiced cranberry cocktail, you first have to make a batch of homemade cranberry juice... But don't worry because it's super easy to make!

    It simply requires bringing cranberries, water, and some spices (a cinnamon stick, anise seed, cloves, and ginger) to a boil in a large pot.

    Cranberries simmering in saucepan

    Once boiling, lower to a simmer, add in spices, cover saucepan, and let cook for 20-25 minutes.

    Now, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to strain out the cranberry skins and then put the juice back in the saucepan. I like to press down on the cranberries with a wooden spoon to extract as much juice as possible.

    Cranberries in strainer over bowl to extract juice

    Add in some sugar, a dash of lemon, and a bit of apple cider and keep the drink warming on the stove.

    You probably didn't know it was so easy to make homemade cranberry juice, did you? I didn't either and now I'm in love! You obviously don't need the apple cider for cranberry juice, but I like the added fall sweetness.

    Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail Recipe

    The only thing left to complete this hot cranberry cocktail? Some vodka and a festive garnish!

    I poured the cranberry juice into mason jars and added a splash of vodka. I guess that's what makes it a cranberry cocktail, right??

    I also gave the cocktails a little fresh cranberry and star anise garnish and enjoyed a mug in front of the fireplace and Christmas tree.

    A mason jar filled with hot spiced cranberry cocktail with star anise and cranberry garnish with a second cocktail and tinsel in the background

    I can't even believe I've gone so long in life without enjoying a warm cranberry cocktail. This is making me so happy during this long cold winter.

    Can I Make This Cranberry Cocktail Virgin?

    Yes, of course! I love this spiced cranberry juice so much that I make it as an everyday beverage all fall and winter long. Just leave the vodka out and you have a delicious seasonal drink fit for kids and adults, alike.

    You can make a big batch for a party and pour the juice for the kids and then add vodka to individual glasses for adults.

    On that note...

    How Can I Make This a Batch Cocktail for a Crowd?

    Simply double, triple, or quadruple the recipe! Just make sure you have a big pot to cook the cranberry juice in.

    As listed below, this recipe makes about four small drinks, but only about two drinks if you're making big mason jar drinks like I did for these. You wouldn't likely want to make such huge drinks for a party.

    Overhead view featuring the top of a mason jar filled with hot spiced cranberry cocktail with star anise and cranberry garnish and a second cocktail in the background

    Can I Serve This Cranberry Cocktail Cold?

    Again, yes! You won't be able to call it a "hot" spiced cranberry cocktail, but it's also very delicious served cold. Who doesn't love a cranberry vodka?

    The next few days are going to be crazy town. I'm so proud of myself for finishing my Christmas shopping in advance, but that doesn't mean I bothered to wrap anything.

    We're also having Christmas dinner at our house and while I did my grocery shopping already (go me!), I haven't even started any of the prep.

    A landscape photo featuring two mason jars of hot spiced cranberry cocktails with cranberry garnishes and a small tinsel tree in the background

    You better believe I'm going to be sipping on one of these warm cranberry cocktails while I try to get productive over the next couple days (you know, after work and holiday parties).

    I'm hoping I'll find at least a little bit of time to sleep... That kind of necessary activity that feels like such a complete waste of time at this time of year. Until you get sick...

    But I also have a theory that warm alcoholic beverages can fight off illness, so perhaps this cranberry cocktail can be a substitute for sleep? I'm willing to take a gamble if it means all my presents will be wrapped and my house clean.

    Overhead view of a mason jar filled with hot spiced cranberry cocktail with star anise and cranberry garnish and a second cocktail in the background

    P.S. Can we talk about how lovely star anise is? I couldn't find it in my grocery store (only ground) and had to purchase it at Amazon (affiliate link). Something tells me you'll be seeing it around this here blog lots in the future.

    More Cranberry Recipes

    If you're looking for more ways to enjoy cranberries this season, check out some of my other recipes:

    • Bourbon Cranberry Babyback Ribs
    • Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Relish Grilled Cheese
    • Winter Salmon Tacos with Butternut Squash and Cranberry Crema
    • Cranberry-Lime Pie
    • Vanilla Cranberry Ginger Milkshake
    • Cranberry Hummus
    • Cranberry Champagne Cupcakes
    • Mojito Cranberry Sauce

    More Holiday Cocktails

    If you're looking for more cocktails to celebrate the holidays with, I have lots of other holiday cocktail recipes for you!

    • Cranberry Mojitos 
    • Cranberry Pomegranate Sparklers
    • Holiday Spiced Honeycrisp Apple Cocktail
    • Cinnamon Pear Sangria
    • Candy Cane Jello Shots
    • Tropical Cranberry Sangria
    • Pumpkin Pie Martini

    And now I'm also really excited to make this Homemade Cranberry Liqueur from Sidewalk Shoes!

    Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail -- Warm cranberry juice with vodka makes the perfect holiday cocktail! | wearenotmartha.com

    Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

    Baby, it's cold outside. And you should be drinking your cranberry cocktail warm with plenty of seasonal spices and vodka. This is the perfect holiday drink and will warm you right up!
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Christmas Cocktails, Christmas Drinks, Cranberry Cocktails, Cranberry Drinks, Holiday Cocktails, Hot Cocktails
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Makes: 2 large drinks or 4 small drinks
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups water
    • 12 oz. (1 bag) fresh cranberries
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • ¼ tsp anise seed (or 2 star anise)
    • 5 whole cloves
    • ⅛ tsp ground ginger
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup apple cider
    • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
    • 6 oz. vodka

    Instructions

    • Put water and cranberries in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer, add in spices, cover saucepan, and let cook for 20-25 minutes.
    • Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer to extract liquid.
    • Place back in saucepan over low heat and add in sugar, cider, and lemon juice.
    • Serve warm in glasses or mason jars. Stir in vodka before serving.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    This seasonal cocktail will warm you right up! Made with homemade cranberry juice, lots of spices, and a splash of vodka, this Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail is the perfect winter drink | wearenotmartha.com #cranberryjuicce #hotdrinks #christmascocktails #cranberries
    Making your own cranberry juice is so easy! Serve it warm with a little vodka and this Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail will put you right in the holiday spirit! | wearenotmartha.com #cranberrycocktail #cranberryjuice #hotcocktails #holidaydrinks
    Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail -- Baby, it's cold outside. And you should be drinking your cranberry cocktail warm with plenty of seasonal spices and vodka. This is the perfect holiday drink and will warm you right up | wearenotmartha.com #cocktails #cranberries #vodka #holidays #christmas
    Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail
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    Comments

    1. Susan says

      December 23, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      We had that chilly weather last weekend! This looks like the perfect cocktail next time we get an arctic blast. Merry Christmas, Sues!

    2. Kristen says

      December 23, 2016 at 5:36 pm

      this cocktail is such a good idea - so pretty and festive.

      I have a hard time getting out of bed this time of year! and I'm one of those crazies who doesn't mind the cold / snow. it's just harder to get up in winter, period.

      Merry Christmas, Sues! xx

    3. Beth says

      December 26, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Merry Christmas to you, too! I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Your cranberry cocktail is absolutely gorgeous!

    Trackbacks

    1. Mojito Cranberry Sauce says:
      October 26, 2017 at 11:58 pm

      […] I made my own cranberry juice at least four times over the course of the winter (and this delicious hot spiced cranberry cocktail). I’ve been so excited that cranberries are back in season again and I’ve been dreaming […]

    2. Holiday Spiced Honeycrisp Apple Cocktail Recipe | We are not Martha says:
      November 20, 2017 at 1:00 pm

      […] ready to go for your guests’ arrivals. Don’t worry, I’m still obsessed with making my own cranberry juice and will be continuing to do so right up until winter is […]

    3. 12 DAYS OF FUN AND FESTIVE CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS says:
      November 5, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      […] Hot Spiced Cranberry Cocktail from Sues at We Are Not Martha is a show stopper, with it’s star anise floater. The only […]

    4. 25 Thanksgiving-Inspired Cocktails for the Holidays | A Food Lover's Kitchen says:
      March 16, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      […] You should be drinking your cranberry cocktail warm with plenty of seasonal spices and vodka. This is the perfect holiday drink and will warm you right up!» See the Recipe […]

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    Hi and thanks for visiting! I started We are not Martha to show you how to make recipes that impress without stress, including easy weeknight dinners, delightful desserts, + lots of cocktails.

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