Lowbush Cranberry Juice
A refreshing and tangy lowbush cranberry juice with a hint of orange and lemon, perfect for gatherings or a healthy, flavorful beverage any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and cool the cranberries.
- Use half as much water by volume as the cranberries.
- Mix the cranberries and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes or until the berries pop open.
- Crush and strain the mixture through a jelly bag or large sieve to obtain clear juice.
- To 1 quart of Lowbush Cranberry Juice, add 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water and boil for 5 minutes until syrupy.
- Add two cups of water, 1 cup orange juice, and the juice of 1 lemon. Chill the mixture.
- Just before serving, optionally add ginger ale or a can of 7-Up.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh lowbush cranberries and be sure to crush them well to extract maximum juice. If lowbush cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute with regular cranberries, but the flavor may differ slightly. To reduce sweetness, adjust the sugar to your taste. Consider using less sugar if you're pairing the juice with sweet snacks like the Cheesy Celery Snack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing juice chilled or over ice, and consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves for added flair. It pairs beautifully with the Cheesy Celery Snack or even as a base for cocktails. For a fizzy twist, add ginger ale or a can of 7-Up just before serving to elevate the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lowbush Cranberry Juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to enjoy it chilled, serve it over ice or blend it into a slushy. Avoid reheating the juice, as it may alter the flavor; instead, serve it cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lowbush Cranberry Juice contains roughly 130 calories, with 2g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious juice.
How long does the juice last in the fridge?
Lowbush Cranberry Juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it's best to discard it.
Can I make this juice without sugar?
Absolutely! You can omit the sugar altogether or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste. This option is great for those looking for healthier alternatives in vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).