Hot Cranberry Drink
Quick Cooking
Red-hot candies add a little spice to this rosy beverage that's perfect for holiday buffets or winter potlucks. "Serve it hot or cold," says Ruth Hastings of Louisville, Illinois. At 28 cents a serving, it's inexpensive, too.
SERVINGS: 14
CATEGORY: Beverages
METHOD: Other stovetop
TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 45 min.
Ingredients:
- 4 quarts water, divided
- 5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup red-hot candies
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 12 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks
Directions:
In a large saucepan, bring 1-qt. of water and cranberries to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until berries begin to pop. Drain, reserving liquid and berries. Put berries through a fine strainer or food mill. In a Dutch oven or large kettle, combine the sugar, red-hots, lemon juice, cranberry liquid and pulp, and remaining water.
Place cloves and cinnamon sticks on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag; add to pan. Bring to a boil; stir until sugar and candies are dissolved. Discard spice bag. Strain juice through a fine sieve or cheese-cloth. Serve with lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks. Yield: 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).