This delightful beverage is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Here, the classic flavor combination of cranberry, orange, and cinnamon is complemented by the unexpected addition of cumin. Add a little vodka for a fun adults-only treat, or skip it for a pleasant mocktail everyone can enjoy. Cheers!
Prep time: 5 minutes, plus chill time
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ c. honey
½ c. water
2 T whole cumin seeds
4 cinnamon sticks
3 c. unsweetened cranberry juice
2 medium organic oranges, each cut into 8 wedges
Optional: ½ c. vodka
3 c. sparkling water
Optional Garnish:
Additional cinnamon sticks
6 long rosemary sprigs, lower leaves removed, and threaded with fresh
cranberries
Directions:
- Add cranberries, honey, water, cumin seeds, and
cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring
occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the honey is melted and the spices are
intensely fragrant.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a large glass or
other non-reactive bowl. Add cranberry juice, orange wedges, and vodka, if
using. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight.
- Once thoroughly chilled, remove from refrigerator and
firmly squeeze each orange wedge into the bowl to capture the juice before
discarding. Strain mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.
- To serve, fill serving glasses with ice and add enough
of the seasoned cranberry juice mixture to fill each glass about 1/3 full. Top off
each glass with sparkling water and stir to combine. Taste and sweeten with
additional honey, if desired. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and/or rosemary skewers
and serve immediately.