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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Cocktails

    Cranberry Infused Vodka aka Cranberry Flavored Vodka

    December 13, 2016 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated December 6, 2020 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin showing a bottle of cranberry vodka.

    Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift to wow those special people in your life? Well, look no further, because I have an oh so easy recipe for delicious and festive Cranberry Infused Vodka that will jingle your bells!

    A decorative glass bottle with cranberry infused vodka tied up with a ribbon.

    Edible homemade gifts from the kitchen have long been a very personal and traditional way to celebrate the holidays with Christmas cookies and candies and other yummy homemade treats.

    But this year, why not spread some holiday cheer and give a delightfully unique and thoughtful gift that will be remembered and appreciated long after the holidays are over? Oh, and while you are at it, be sure to make a batch yourself!

    Cranberry Infused Vodka only takes about 15 minutes to make. It’s a gorgeous gift with its deep Christmasy red color when packaged in a beautiful decanter or festive jar. You could even include a card with servings suggestions like Cranberry Vodka Martinis or Cranberry Cosmopolitans.  The possibilities are endless.

    Here is what you will need to make this recipe:

    You will need the following ingredients: fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a bottle of vodka. That’s it! 

    A bottle of vodka, cranberries, sugar and vanilla on a cutting board.

    Here is how to make it:

    Place the cranberries, sugar, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of water in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat.

    Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes or until the berries have burst and stir frequently. 

    Cranberries cooking in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.

    Let the mixture cool a few minutes, then pour the mixture into a large pitcher and add the vodka. Stir to combine.

    Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for one week before using.

    Vodka with cranberries in a plastic pitcher on a wooden cutting board.

    After one week, strain the mixture through a small mesh strainer to remove the cranberries and any solids.

    Store the cranberry infused vodka covered in the refrigerator.

    Sharon’s Tips

    • Cranberry Infused Vodka will keep in the refrigerator covered for up to two weeks. 
    • To serve, use your favorite cocktail recipe using flavored vodka, or pour a little of the cranberry vodka over ice and add tonic water to taste. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime, and enjoy!
    • It’s not necessary to buy the most expensive vodka for this recipe. Use a medium price liquor, and you will be fine. 
    • I have found inexpensive decorative bottles at Hobby Lobby and World Market. 
    • Plan ahead, remember the mixture has to sit in the refrigerator for one week before it is ready to use.
    • If you give this as a gift, be sure to let the recipient know it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. 

    Related recipes:

    If you like this recipe, you might also be interested in these recipes for homemade Christmas or hostess gifts:

    • How to Make Preserved Lemons
    • Mixed Olive Tapenade
    • Chocolate Billionaires Candy
    • Classic Jezebel Sauce
    • Forgotten Cookies aka Forgotten Kisses
    • Lemon Shortbread Cookies 
    • Caramel Corn with Chocolate Drizzle 
    • Homemade Pecan Butter

    If you need more recipes or menu ideas, check out my roundup post: 31 Easy Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts.

    ★ If you make Cranberry Infused Vodka, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    Cranberry Infused Vodka in a decorative gift bottle.

    How to Make Cranberry Infused Vodka

    Sharon Rigsby
    Cranberry Infused Vodka only takes about 15 minutes to make and makes a gorgeous gift with its deep Christmasy red color packaged in a beautiful decanter or festive jar.
    4.67 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Refrigerate 7 d
    Total Time 7 d 15 mins
    Course Appetizer, Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 270 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 750 milliliter bottle vodka

    Instructions
     

    • Place cranberries, sugar, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes or until the berries have burst.
    • Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and add the vodka. Mix well. Cover tightly and let sit in the refrigerator for one week.
    • After one week, strain the mixture using a small mesh strainer and then store the cranberry infused vodka covered in the refrigerator.
    • To serve, use your favorite cocktail recipe or pour a little of the cranberry vodka over ice and add tonic water to taste. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime, and enjoy!

    Notes

    Cranberry Infused Vodka will keep in the refrigerator covered for up to two weeks. 
    To serve, use your favorite cocktail recipe using flavored vodka, or pour a little of the cranberry vodka over ice and add tonic water to taste. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime, and enjoy!
    It's not necessary to buy the most expensive vodka for this recipe. Use a medium price liquor, and you will be fine. 
    I have found inexpensive decorative bottles at Hobby Lobby and World Market. 
    Plan ahead, remember; the mixture has to sit in the refrigerator for one week before it is ready to use. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 42gPotassium: 2mgFiber: 3gSugar: 36g
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    1. Amanda Bustle

      October 24, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      After strained, how long does it last?

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        October 30, 2021 at 3:04 pm

        Hi Amanda, there are a lot of factors that can affect how long it will last. I would say probably three to four days max if refrigerated.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    2. Gliknis Ortiz

      October 27, 2018 at 1:50 pm

      Does it have to be refrigerated? Can I let it sit at room temperature or in the basement or garage for a week?
      Also, can it sit longer than a week?

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        October 27, 2018 at 1:53 pm

        Yes, I would definitely refrigerate it! I have only let it sit for a week so can’t really speak to how it would work out if you leave it longer. Sorry!
        Sharon

        Reply
        • Kerry

          December 18, 2018 at 9:29 pm

          Regarding the refrigeration, I’m giving this as a gift. Should I instruct people to keep it refrigerated after using it? Thanks!

        • Gritsandpinecones

          December 19, 2018 at 5:25 pm

          Hi Kerry,
          Yes, I would either put a note on the card or simply tell them. Hope they enjoy it!
          All my best,
          Sharon

    3. Pam

      November 29, 2017 at 1:55 am

      How much does this make?

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        November 30, 2017 at 7:45 am

        Hi Pam,
        A fifth of liquor is 750 ml which is 25 3/5 ounces. The cranberries do soak up some of the vodka so you will end up with about 24-25 ounces. Hope this helps!
        Sharon

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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