Homemade Cranberry Cordial

Add a homemade touch to your holiday festivities with this Cranberry Cordial recipe! Made with fresh cranberries, orange, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a perfect balanced blend of seasonal flavors. This cordial makes a delightful sip, a stunning cocktail base, or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

If you’re reading this before Thanksgiving, consider this a friendly reminder to make this Cranberry Cordial now so it’s ready to enjoy by Christmas! I tried this recipe for the first time last year, and it immediately became a must-have for the holiday season. Now, it’s a yearly tradition I wouldn’t skip.

This Cranberry Cordial is a wonderful addition to any holiday celebration. Serve it as a festive cocktail or sip it on its own—it’s truly wonderful, especially since it’s homemade. It also makes an excellent gift (e.g. a hostess gift). You can dress up a jar with a little creativity, to make it feel personal and thoughtful, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a cordial bursting with rich cranberry flavor and a hint of cinnamon. Simple, classic, and undeniably delicious.

When I brought a couple of jars home for Christmas last year, it quickly became a family favorite. We loved it mixed with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing cocktail, but it’s just as delightful sipped straight from a cordial glass. Once you make it, I’m confident it’ll become one of your holiday staples too. Perhaps your new favorite Christmas cocktail!

Let’s go over all the details together. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This cranberry cordial is so quick and easy to make. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a rich, homemade treat that tastes as special as the season itself.
• The vibrant cranberry and cinnamon combination is a classic holiday flavor pairing. It’s simple yet elegant and has the kind of timeless appeal that brings people together year after year.
• It’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you sip it as is in a cordial glass or mix it with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing holiday cocktail, this drink is always a hit.
• It makes a thoughtful, heartfelt gift. Packaged in a decorated jar, this cranberry cordial becomes a meaningful present or a perfect hostess gift that shows you went the extra mile.

Looking for more cranberry recipes for the holidays? I have them! Check out this collection of cranberry-based recipes. I have everything from cocktails to cake!

Ingredients

It’s time to gather all the ingredients to make this Cranberry Cordial. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Cranberries – These vibrant berries are the star of this recipe, offering their signature tart flavor and beautiful ruby color.
• Orange Zest – The zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Sugar – This sweetens the cordial and balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating a smooth and enjoyable drink.
• Orange Juice – A splash of orange juice enhances the citrus notes and adds a hint of natural sweetness. Use the fresh juice from the orange you zested for the best flavor! 
• Cinnamon Stick – A single cinnamon stick infuses the cordial with a warm, subtle spice that feels just right for the holidays.
• Vodka – You want a good quality vodka. Tito’s is a go-to for me. It’s good and affordable. Skip the “cheap’” stuff here. The vodka acts as the base for the cordial, carrying all the flavors while providing a smooth finish.

Oh, and while you’re at it, pick up some cordial glasses at your local thrift store. I found the glasses I’m using, a set of 8, for six dollars! You can’t beat that. You know how much I love my vintage glassware.

And if you’re looking for the jars, you can find those here.

How To Make

Okay, ready to make some festive cordial? Let’s do it!  I’ll still take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

1. In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, sugar, orange juice, and a cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and pop and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. (I have multiple cinnamon sticks because I was making multiple batches.)

2. Let the mixture cool slightly, pour in the vodka, then transfer it to large sterilized jars. Stir gently to combine, and seal the jars tightly.
3. Refrigerate for about a month, giving the jars a gentle shake every few days to help the flavors meld.

4. When ready to use, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into clean jars or decanters. (I love these jars for gifting. They look unique and special.)
5. Serve as is or mix with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or ginger beer.

And that’s it! I told you it was easy to make! The hardest part is waiting 30 days to strain, serve, and dip. 

Now, if you don’t have the ideal 30 days, don’t panic. I opened a jar around the 20-25 day mark last year and it was still delicious! (I explain more in the FAQ section below.)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cranberry cordial keep?

Once strained, the cordial can be stored in sealed jars or bottles in the refrigerator for up to three months. Be sure to keep it chilled for the best flavor and freshness.

Do I have to use vodka, or can I substitute another alcohol?

Vodka is ideal because it has a neutral flavor that allows the cranberries, orange, and cinnamon to shine. However, you could experiment with white rum or brandy for a different twist. Note that the flavor profile will change slightly.

What’s the best way to strain the cordial?

Using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids works best, leaving a smooth, clear liquid. If you want the cordial extra polished, strain it twice for a cleaner finish.

How can I make the cordial extra special for gifting?

Decorate your jars or bottles with festive ribbons, tags, or small ornaments. You could also include a handwritten recipe card with serving suggestions to make it even more personal and thoughtful.

Do you really need to wait 30 days to enjoy the cranberry cordial?

Not necessarily! While the cordial is best after steeping for about a month, giving the flavors time to develop and meld fully, it’s still delicious after just a week or two. The cranberries, orange, and cinnamon will infuse the vodka with a lovely flavor in that shorter time, but the depth and richness improve significantly with more time. If you’re in a pinch, you can enjoy it early, but for the most balanced and complex flavor, 30 days is worth the wait!

More Cranberry Drinks You’ll Love

• Cranberry Old Fashioned
• Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddies
• Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
• Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
• Cranberry Manhattan

If you’re looking to add something memorable to your holiday traditions, this cranberry cordial is a fantastic choice. So, grab some cranberries, a little vodka, and your favorite jars to give it a try. You’ll love having a ready-made treat in your fridge for cozy nights and festive gatherings. (It’s also an easy gift idea when you need something in a pinch!) 

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Homemade Cranberry Cordial

Add a homemade touch to your holiday festivities with this Cranberry Cordial recipe! Made with fresh cranberries, orange, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a perfect balanced blend of seasonal flavors. This cordial makes a delightful sip, a stunning cocktail base, or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cordial, cranberry

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 20

Calories: 164kcal

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups vodka

Instructions

• In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, sugar, orange juice, and a cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and pop and the mixture becomes syrupy (about 10-15 minutes).
• Let the mixture cool slightly, pour in the vodka, then transfer it to large sterilized jars. Stir gently to combine, and seal the jars tightly.
• Refrigerate for about a month, giving the jars a gentle shake every few days to help the flavors meld.
• When ready to use, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into clean jars or decanters.
• Serve as is or mix with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or ginger beer.

Notes

20 servings based on a 3 ounce pour.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg