Cranberry Clove Recipe

Looking for a delightful way to savor the warm spices of the season? The Cranberry Clove Cocktail offers a perfect blend of tart cranberry and aromatic cloves. Imagine curling up by the fireplace with a drink that combines the tangy freshness of cranberry juice with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

This drink isn’t just delicious; it’s also simple to make. You’ll need:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup rum or gin (optional)

Heat the juices and spices slowly, add honey and your preferred spirit, and serve warm. This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that will warm your heart and soul.

Equipment

To make a Cranberry Clove Cocktail, you’ll need the following:

  • Cocktail shaker: For mixing the drink.
  • Muddler: To crush the cloves.
  • Measuring jigger: Ensures the right proportions.
  • Saucepan: To heat juices and spices.
  • Strainer: Removes the spices before serving.
  • Glassware: Choose a chilled glass, such as a coupe or martini glass.

Ingredients

Ingredients are essential to making the Cranberry Clove Cocktail:

  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 fl oz navy rum
  • 1 fl oz cranberry vodka

Instructions

Follow these instructions step-by-step for the perfect Cranberry Clove Cocktail:

  1. Place cranberry juice, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a saucepan.
  2. Heat gently until it boils, then simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add honey, stirring to dissolve.
  4. Pour into a cocktail shaker with rum and cranberry vodka.
  5. Shake well with ice.
  6. Strain into a chilled glass.
  7. Serve immediately.

Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Clove Cocktail offers a medley of flavors:

  • Cranberry introduces tartness.
  • Orange juice adds a citrus bite.
  • Cloves and cinnamon provide warmth.
  • Ginger gives a slight kick.
  • The honey sweetens the mixture.
  • Rum and vodka enhance depth.

Similar Cocktails

You might also enjoy similar cocktails:

  • Spiced Cranberry Cocktail: Uses cloves and navy rum.
  • Cranberry Old Fashioned: Combines bourbon and cranberry juice.
  • Cranberry Apple Sangria: Features cranberry juice with apple juice.

History

The Cranberry Clove Cocktail draws on traditional holiday spices:

  • Cranberries: Celebrated in North American festivities.
  • Cloves and cinnamon: Popular in spiced beverages.
  • Rum: Historical connection to colonial trade.

Quick Pro Tips

Boost your Cranberry Clove Cocktail with these tips:

  • Always use fresh spices for the best flavor profile.
  • Chilling the glass enhances the cocktail experience.
  • Experiment with garnishes like an orange slice or a cinnamon stick.

When to Serve

The Cranberry Clove Cocktail is best enjoyed:

  • During holiday gatherings.
  • On chilly autumn or winter evenings.
  • As a festive treat at parties.

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