Fresh cranberries simmered in water along with cinnamon and cloves make this beautiful crimson colored not-too-sweet beverage. Cranberry tea is a red hued warm, comforting and a tangy drink with the aroma and taste of spices that will transport you to the holiday season.

Every fall fresh cranberries are harvested and I see loads of these tiny tart beauties in the grocery stores. I always make the maximum use of these berries when they are in season by making cranberry jams, sauces, pickled cranberries or use them in drinks. But since they stay in the stores for such a short time I buy loads of these berries and freeze them to use throughout the year. Fresh cranberries when frozen can keep well for 10 – 12 months. So today I saw a bag of cranberries left in my freezer and instantly thought of making this cozy drink.

This tea is cheer served in a cup.. A fruit tea made by simmering tart cranberries in water along with cinnamon and cloves to infuse the spicy, sweet and pungent taste of the spices and create a blend with a perfect spicy and fruity flavor. This infusion is then strained to add orange juice, lemon juice and honey to it. The addition of orange juice and lemon juice imparts an enhanced flavor to the tea and honey adds sweetness along with reducing the acidity. Not only is this cranberry tea a comforting cup of tangy, spicy and sweet deliciousness but it is also full of good-for-you stuff! Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C and a cup of cranberries has less then 50 calories.

And who says cranberry tea can be only enjoyed around Christmas. Make your own cup anytime and enjoy every sip of this tea curled up with a book!

The given recipe makes 2 – 3 cups.

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1.5 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 inch cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey

 

Instructions

• In a saucepan, add water and cranberries and bring it to a boil on high heat.

• Once the water starts boiling lower the flame and add the cinnamon stick and cloves. Let the mixture boil on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Now strain the mixture through a fine mesh or a cheese cloth.

• Add freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice and honey to the strained mixture.

• Serve warm

Notes

• You can drink this tea right away and store the rest in the refrigerator. The tea keeps good for a week when refrigerated.
• Warm a cup of this and add additional honey while serving.
• If you feel that the tea is too strong then dilute it in your cup by adding some boiling water.
• This tea also tastes great when chilled.
• To turn this tea into a cooler: Take a glass with ice. Fill 1/3 of the glass with cranberry tea and rest with orange juice or apple juice. Add some honey and muddled mint leaves to it and serve.