Vintage Cranberry Orange Christmas Syrup

by

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Yield: 12 oz bottle

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)

  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup alternative)

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1 whole cinnamon stick

  • 2 whole star anise (optional for extra spice)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and star anise.

  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally so the sugar dissolves completely.

  3. Thicken: Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes until the cranberries pop open and the syrup thickens naturally.

  4. Finish & Strain: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky smooth syrup, or keep the fruit bits in for extra texture.

  5. Bottle & Store: Let it cool slightly before pouring into a glass bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.