This Cranberry Lemonade Recipe starts off with an easy, flavorful simple syrup. Just simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water until the berries pop. Strain it into your favorite lemonade—homemade or store-bought—for a refreshing, festive drink that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering that calls for a tasty sip.
Looking for more zesty citrus inspiration? Check out our full collection of lemon recipes. We’ve got everything from main dishes to desserts covered!
While lemonade is usually seen as a summertime staple, I’d argue this cranberry lemonade is perfect any time of year, especially during the holiday months. The tart cranberry twist adds just the right amount of festive flair. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be looking for excuses to make it all year round!
Why this recipe is great
- Easy: Nothing complicated here - just simmer three ingredients together, blend, and strain into lemonade.
- Festive: Cranberries are basically the holiday season’s mascot, perfect for Thanksgiving recipes and Christmas vibes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: When life gets hectic, nothing is better than a recipe that can be prepped ahead.
We have developed a whole host of lemonade recipes that can all starting with this homemade lemonade recipe using fresh lemons or this from scratch lemonade concentrate. Cherry lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and blackberry lemonade are just a few.
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Cranberry lemonade ingredients
This recipe only requires just a few ingredients! Exact quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few tips.
- Lemonade: We love homemade lemonade that uses fresh lemon juice, but sometimes you need a shortcut. Our favorite, easy-to-find lemonade is Simply. Not sponsored, we just love this brand.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work beautifully.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar has the clean flavor this recipe needs.
- Water: Just a bit of water helps create the syrup.
How to make homemade cranberry lemonade
Combine cranberries, sugar, and cold water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce to a simmer and wait for the berries to burst. Remove from the heat.
Grab your immersion blender and very carefully blend up the cranberry simple syrup to release all the flavor. The liquid is very hot so make sure to keep the blender down in the mixture while it is turned on.
Place a strainer over the pitcher of lemonade. Use the back of a spoon to press the mix through.
Use a large spoon to stir the lemonade and homemade cranberry syrup together in a large pitcher. Serve over a nice tall glass of ice.
Hint: If you do not have an immersion blender, this will work in a regular blender as well.
Variations and substitutions
- Swap in limeade to turn this into a cranberry limeade twist.
- Add a splash of sprite to for a bit of bubbly fun.
- Add a splash of vodka to make a fun and festive cocktail.
- Toss in a lemon slice or two or a few fresh cranberries for a pretty presentation.
- Add fresh mint for a added layer of flavor!
FAQs
Yes! Lemonade can definitely be frozen. The best way is to store it in glass jars for up to 6 months. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the jar for the liquid to expand as it freezes. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Lemonade lasts about one week in the refrigerator if stored in a covered pitcher or jar. To keep it tasting as fresh as possible, make sure the container is airtight.
Tips & Tricks
- For a more intense cranberry flavor allow the syrup to steep a bit longer.
- Adjust the flavor by changing the ratio of syrup to lemonade depending on how sweet or tart you prefer it.
- Use a quality brand of lemonade for the best flavor.
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Recipe
Cranberry Lemonade Recipe ( Easy homemade drink!)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- 52 oz lemonade
Instructions
- Over medium heat cook the water, sugar, and cranberries in a small pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and cranberries start to pop. If it starts boiling, turn it down immediately.¾ cup water, 1 ½ cup cranberries, ¾ cup sugar
- Remove from the heat and allow it to steep for 5 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully zoom the cranberry simple syrup mixture in the pot until thoroughly blended. (If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender).
- Pour the lemonade into a pitcher. Add the strained syrup and stir to combine. Refrigerate until cold, then serve with ice.52 oz lemonade
Notes
- For a more intense flavor allow the syrup to steep a bit longer.
- Adjust the flavor by changing the ratio of syrup to lemonade depending on how sweet or tart you prefer it.
- Use a quality brand of lemonade for the best flavor.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Misty says
This lemonade is perfect for the festive season.