Fresh Cranberry Ginger Orange Punch
I love when fresh cranberries start appearing in the grocery stores. It is a sure sign that holiday cooking is underway! Cranberries are festive with their bright red color and tart flavor. I love using cranberries in all kinds of raw recipes. Salads, flat breads, even veggie wraps all become a little more interesting and perky with the addition of this little red berry. And talk about packing a nutritional punch.
Cranberries are full of healthy benefits. Naturally high in vitamin C and fiber, cranberries are loaded with phytonutrients. Cranberries specific phytonutrients fight cancer, have antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have shown the ability to protect against UTI’s (urinary tract infections) by inhibiting the bacterias ability to attach to urinary tract linings. Recent studies are also showing that cranberries help support our immune function!
Inspired by these healthy little red berries, I decided to make a punch for your holiday table. Cranberries, oranges and ginger combine to make a delicious punch. This one is easy to throw together and delightful to drink.
Just a note…I was recently on a flight and as usual, requested cranberry juice when the flight attendent asked me what I would like to drink. I always thought this was a little healthier that other alternatives. Well, on this flight, I recieved the whole can, not just a cup. I looked at the can and found that there was over 230 calories and 53 grams of sugar in one serving! One more reason to whip up your own!
Cranberry Ginger Orange Punch
- 1 12 0z bag fresh cranberries
- 6 cups water, divided
- 1 large orange, zest and juice
- 1″ piece fresh ginger, roughly chopped.
- 1/3 cup agave, honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- Place cranberries, 2 cups water, orange juice and zest and ginger in food processor. Process until a slurry is achieved.
- Transfer mixture to bowl and add remaining 4 cups water.
- Let steep in refrigerator at least an hour.
- Strain off into pitcher and add sweetener to taste. Top with orange slices if desired.
Melinda Woodhouse wrote on November 14, 2012
This recipe was amazing, thank you. I make it regularly , the only exception is I use sparkling water. Love your recipes.
Sarah wrote on November 1, 2012
Do you think ground ginger would work in this recipe? If so, how much?
Susan wrote on November 1, 2012
Ground ginger has a very different taste than fresh. But you are welcome to experiment!! Cheers!
Vanessa wrote on July 28, 2012
Can you tell me how many grams of sugar there is in your recipe? Love your website.
Susan wrote on July 28, 2012
Thank you! If you need individual nutritional counts, there are many apps or websites that allow you to plug in the ingredients and they will tell you. Cheers!
kristin wrote on January 30, 2012
I make this all the time now! To me it tastes like REAL fruit punch. It is a wonderful thick creamy texture – like a good quality fruit juice, not watery like the “cranberry” juice you get in stores. Thank you so much!!!
Christiane wrote on December 20, 2011
Whoa – this looks amazing!!! I may add a little kombucha for sparkle.
sherrie wrote on December 14, 2011
This sounds excellent!! If you added a little “carbonated something” then you could freeze little pomegranate seeds and put them in and they pop all around like little balls of joy….I’m not sure if it works if it’s not carbonated….
Candice Stauffer wrote on December 13, 2011
THIS is going to the family Christmas dinner with me!! My sis always has lovely stem ware and a supply of sparkling ciders – which I dislike drinking. I bet when they see my beautiful glassful of goodness, I’ll have to arm wrestle them for the rest of the pitcherful!!
I’m also taking the Chipotle Brownies – thanks a bunch for solving my Christmas entertainment contributions!!
Best holiday wishes for you and your family, Susan!
Jennifer Minar-Jaynes wrote on December 12, 2011
I’m definitely making this for my twin boys this week!
Thanks & happy holidays!
Jennifer
Laura-Jane the Rawtarian wrote on December 12, 2011
Lovely Susan!