Spicy Cranberry Drink

Name: Spicy Cranberry Drink
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).
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

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. At 28 cents a serving, it's inexpensive, too. —Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois

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.

Originally published as Hot Cranberry Drink in Quick Cooking November/December 2003