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    Home » Recipes » Simple Syrups for Drinks

    Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup for Cocktails and Mocktails

    Published: Nov 2, 2021 · Updated: Oct 31, 2022 by Katy McAvoy

    I love when you share my recipes!

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    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

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    Cranberry and orange are a perfect match, especially at the holidays. Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup is fantastic and festive to make during the busy holiday season because it can be used for delicious signature cocktails or mocktails.

    Cranberry Orange Syrup
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup
    • What to Make with Cranberry Orange Syrup
    • FAQs and Substitutions
    • Happy Hour Snacks
    • Don’t Miss These Cranberry Recipes
    • More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
    • Print the Recipe
    • Cranberry and Orange Simple Syrup for Cocktails and Mocktails

    Cranberry Orange Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and can be mixed with club soda and ginger beer for an easy mocktail or add gin or bourbon for a delicious cocktail. Make it ahead of time to be prepared for any unexpected holiday guests or an impromptu homemade happy hour. 

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for cranberry orange syrup
    • Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
    • Sugar
    • An orange
    • Water

    How to Make Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup

    Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the outside of the orange. Try to get as little of the white part (the pith) as possible. 

    Orange peels

    Place cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange peels into a small pot over medium heat. 

    Cranberries, orange peel, sugar and water in a pot

    Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. You'll know it's done when the mixture starts to foam and rise up in the pot.

    Foam and bubble on cranberry orange syrup

    Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the mixture through the sieve. 

    Straining cranberry orange syrup

    Discard the cranberries or remove the peels and use the remaining mixture on waffles or as compote for a charcuterie board. 

    Chill syrup completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

    Cranberry Orange Syrup

    What to Make with Cranberry Orange Syrup

    Cranberry orange simple syrup is delicious in all kinds of drinks! Try these cocktails and mocktails:

    Adding cranberries to a Cranberry Orange Mocktail
    Cranberry Orange Mocktail
    Cranberry Old Fashioned
    Cranberry Old Fashioned

    FAQs and Substitutions

    How long does cranberry orange syrup last? 

    When stored in the refrigerator, the syrup should last about 2 week. If it starts looking cloudy, discard it immediately. 

    Can I use bottled orange juice?

    Yes, but since you need the peel from the orange, use the rest of the fruit and juice it. Fresh juice really does make a difference. 

    What kind of oranges should I use? 

    I like to use a navel orange in this recipe, but juice oranges work great as well. Blood oranges are also delicious. If you decide to use blood oranges in this recipe you may need to up the sugar by a tablespoon or two since blood oranges are often a bit tart. 

    Do I need fresh or frozen cranberries? 

    Either one! Add frozen berries directly from the freezer or use fresh. Frozen berries will cause the syrup to take a few extra minutes to come to a boil, but that’s the only difference. 

    What other kind of sugar can I use? 

    If you don’t want to use refined white sugar, swap it out for honey or agave. 

    Happy Hour Snacks

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    Savory Spiced Nuts
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    Snickerdoodle Popcorn

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    Print the Recipe

    Print

    Cranberry and Orange Simple Syrup for Cocktails and Mocktails

    Cranberry Orange Syrup
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup is fantastic and festive to make during the busy holiday season because it can be used for delicious signature cocktails or mocktails. 

    • Author: Katy McAvoy
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 10 min
    • Total Time: 15 min
    • Yield: 12 oz 1x
    • Category: Mocktails
    • Method: Stove Top
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • Juice from 1 medium orange
    • Peel from 1 medium orange

    Instructions

    Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the outside of the orange. Try to get as little of the white part (the pith) as possible. 

    Place cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange peels into a small pot over medium heat. 

    Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. 

    Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the mixture through the sieve. 

    Discard the cranberries or remove the peels and use the remaining mixture as compote for charcuterie. 

    Chill syrup completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

    Keywords: cranberry orange simple syrup, holiday cocktails, holiday mocktails, cranberry syrup

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me @katymcavoy on Instagram! I can’t wait to see what you made!

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    I love when you share my recipes!

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    About Katy McAvoy

    Katy is the author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, and Michigander behind MittenGirl.com. Since 2017, she's been crafting easy-to-make cocktails and delicious meals, along with sharing her love of all things Michigan (a.k.a. The Mitten)!

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    Katy McAvoy

    Hi! I’m Katy (she/her). I’m an author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, Michigander, and lover of all things food and drink. I never turn down a good happy hour and believe that a couple hours of meal prep pays off for days. Follow me on Instagram to check out what I’m working on next!

    More about me →

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