Cranberry Ice Recipe Ideas for Refreshing Summer Drinks

As the chilly months roll in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing, festive treat to brighten your day. Cranberry ice is a delightful, vibrant dessert that’s both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

With its perfect balance of tart cranberries and subtle sweetness, this icy delight is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a palate cleanser after a hearty meal or a cool snack on a warm afternoon, cranberry ice offers a burst of flavor and a splash of holiday spirit.

This recipe harnesses the natural zing of fresh cranberries, combined with just the right amount of sugar and citrus to create a frozen marvel. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover cranberries from your holiday cooking.

Perfectly textured and visually stunning, cranberry ice is a versatile treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready to dive into this icy adventure?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry ice is a fantastic dessert for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal kitchen equipment.

The recipe uses fresh or frozen cranberries, allowing you to enjoy seasonal flavors year-round. The result is a refreshing, vibrant ice that’s both tangy and sweet, making it a perfect palate cleanser or light dessert.

Unlike heavy, creamy desserts, cranberry ice is light and low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those watching their intake but still craving something flavorful. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using plant-based sweeteners.

Plus, the bright red color of the cranberry ice adds a festive touch to any table setting, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or casual summer barbecues.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Mixing bowl
• Freezer-safe container or ice cube trays
• Blender or food processor (optional)
• Spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the cranberry syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, water, and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
2. Simmer and mash: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, use the back of a spoon to gently mash the cranberries, releasing their juices and flavor.
3. Strain the mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a mixing bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the cranberry pulp or save it for other recipes like sauces or smoothies.
4. Add citrus flavors: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and orange zest. These ingredients brighten the flavor and add a lovely aromatic note to your cranberry ice.
5. Chill the mixture: Allow the cranberry juice to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until completely cold, about 2 hours.
6. Freeze the cranberry ice: Pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Place it in the freezer.
7. Scrape and fluff: Every 30-45 minutes, use a fork to scrape and fluff the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals. Repeat this process 3-4 times until the mixture is fully frozen and has a fluffy, granular texture like a traditional ice or granita.
8. Serve: Scoop the cranberry ice into bowls or glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use fresh cranberries when they are in season. Frozen cranberries work well too, but they may require a bit longer to infuse their flavor during cooking.

Make it sweeter or tarter: Adjust the sugar quantity to your taste. If you prefer a tarter ice, reduce the sugar by a quarter cup or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

Add herbs or spices: Experiment with adding a cinnamon stick or a few sprigs of rosemary during the simmering step for a warm, aromatic twist. Remember to remove these before straining.

Blend for a smooth texture: If you prefer a smoother texture rather than the traditional grainy ice, blend the chilled mixture before freezing.

Combine with other fruits: Mix cranberry juice with pomegranate, raspberry, or even apple juice to create unique flavor combinations.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry ice is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a refreshing palate cleanser between courses during a holiday meal or family gathering.

It also makes a wonderful light dessert after rich, savory dishes like roast turkey or pork.

For a festive touch, serve cranberry ice in clear glasses topped with fresh mint or a thin slice of orange. You can also layer it with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt to create a simple parfait.

Looking for a fun cocktail idea? Add a scoop to sparkling wine or gin for a seasonal, frosty drink.

Conclusion

Cranberry ice is a simple, elegant dessert that captures the essence of the season with every refreshing bite. Its vibrant color and tangy flavor make it a standout treat that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying on a quiet afternoon.

Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite flavors and requires minimal prep time, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.

Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a summer party, or just because, cranberry ice offers a delightful way to enjoy the unique tartness of cranberries in a cool and invigorating form. Give it a try and discover a new favorite that brings a splash of color and joy to your dessert table.

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