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This recipe for Fresh Spiced Cranberry Tea came from my podcast guest, Laura Clark - specifically, from her grandmother. Take a listen to her episode, Thanksgiving in Italy, while you make her beautiful hot Spiced Cranberry Orange Tea!

hand in frame pours gorgeous ruby red cranberry tea into glass garnished with cranberry

Cranberry tea is easy, festive (hence the names Thanksgiving Tea or Christmas Tea), absolutely gorgeous for any holiday gathering, full of antioxidants, delicious, and above all (as if all of that isn't enough) GORGEOUS!!!!

The elegant ruby red color of Laura's hot rosy spiced drink gives a cozy special feeling, even before the first sip!

One important note to share right up front: Although this Cranberry Tea punch recipe is lovingly referred to as “Thanksgiving Tea” by Laura's family, there is no actual tea in the recipe. Not unlike an herbal tea, this tea is just cranberries, warming spices, and citrus juices.

P.S. Love fresh cranberry recipes? Try these Frozen Cranberry Bites, an elegant dessert alternative to cranberry sauce.

small dessert glass of beautiful red cranberry tea punch held in front of emerald green dress

Top Tip

Once you make the tea, you'll be left with some sad, drained, pulpy cranberries. My son used ours to make Cranberry Scones using the world's easiest scone recipe from my podcast guest, Dee Frances. They were delicious and we felt great about not wasting anything!

a christmas scene of wooden bowl of beautiful fresh cranberries surrounded by silky tea napkin and holly and cinnamon sticks

Laura's Memories of Hot Cranberry Orange Tea

My grandmother lived in a cabin in the country. We went there every year for Thanksgiving and drank this Thanksgiving Tea.

My grandmother had a lot of nice Kentucky antiques of good quality. When I think of this tea, I remember the warm brown color of her dining room table with a shiny patina from years of use. She had an antique lamp with cranberry-colored glass that would make the whole room cranberry colored and a chair covered with a cream fabric embroidered with cranberry-colored thread.
-Laura Clark

Listen to Laura Now

Hot Drink or Cold Drink?

Both!

Laura and her family drank cranberry tea as both a hot and cold drink.
I like to drink it hot first thing in the morning or after a light meal.
At Thanksgiving dinner, this "Thanksgiving Tea" can be a refreshing cold complement to a hearty meal.
This cranberry tea recipe gets sweeter as it approaches room temperature, so if you'll be drinking it cold, consider cutting down on the sugar.

stick of cinnamon sits on glass of cranberry spice tea

Natural Cranberry Tea Benefits

While there's no denying this is a very sweet tea (which, of course, you can adjust), there are actually many health benefits in this fruit tea! Made from fresh cranberries and "spiked" with citrus juices, this tea is full of antioxidants and vitamins.

(P.S. If you really are drinking this elixir to drive away colds and other bugs, it would be a good idea to cut down on the sugar.)

Cranberries:
- Rich in antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases.
- May support urinary tract health and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Contains vitamins C and E, which boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon:
- Has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Contains antioxidants that contribute to overall health.
Cloves:
- A good source of antioxidants that protect cells from damage and inflammation.
- May have antimicrobial properties and support oral health.
- Could potentially improve digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.
Orange Juice:
- High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports skin health.
- Provides essential nutrients like folate and potassium.
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Lemon Juice:
- Rich in vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and skin health.
- May support digestion and help with weight management.
- Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

cranberries and cinnamon sticks in pot for spiced cranberry tea

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Cold water
White sugar
Orange juice
Lemon juice
Garnish with orange slices, orange zest curls, or orange peel

(See exact quantities in the recipe at the end of this post)

rustic christmas scene with greenery all around shimmery pitchers and glasses or bright red steamy hot cranberry tea

How to Make Hot Cranberry Tea

This easy recipe couldn't be more straightforward with simple ingredients and directions. Follow these three steps and your taste buds will thank you.

Stove Top:

Boil cranberries and spices for at least half an hour
Drain cranberries in a mesh strainer (Use the soft, split cranberries to Dee's delicious 5 minute scones)
Stir in sugar and citrus juices

Slow Cooker:

To make in a crock pot, simply follow the directions above, but rather than boiling on the stove, leave the cranberries and spices in a slow cooker for 2 hours on high.

three ruby red glasses of hot cranberry christmas tea with holiday greenery in background and hand pouring another steamy glass from pitcher

Variations & Substitutions

Replacements for Orange Juice & Lemon Juice combination
- Lime juice
- Apple juice (If you add this, cut the sugar to 1/2 cup or less)
- Ginger ale (If you add this, cut the sugar to 1/2 cup or less)
Less of a sweet tooth
If you love a cup of tea – you’re more than welcome to add bags of white tea, green tea, or a full-bodied black tea bags to the recipe. You’ll still enjoy the tartness of the cranberries, the sweetness of the orange juice, and the warmth of the spices along with your favorite variety of tea.
Cool and pour into an ice cube tray for refreshing & festive ice for holiday parties

focus on tiny dessert glass of cranberry tea garnished with cinnamon stick and a fresh cranberry with more glasses and pitchers of tea and holiday greenery in background

When to Enjoy Spiced Cranberry Tea

Thanksgiving Day:

Tired of cranberry sauce? For a new holiday tradition, try this hot cranberry tea recipe along with your pecan pie this year!

Tart and sweet, this fresh cranberry tea is the perfect accompaniment to a rich Thanksgiving feast. The acidity in the cranberries cuts through the rich flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. With each sip, the natural, bright tartness of the cranberries cleanses the palate for the next bite of food.

This recipe makes a huge amount – enough to treat a full house and have plenty to go around after a long day of feasting and festivities!

The Winter Holiday Season:

December is the time of year for a cozy, steaming mug of spiced cranberry tea. As a bonus, the warm, festive smells of cinnamon, anise, and orange peels are a great way to spread Christmas cheer for those who only smell this bright, beautiful tea on those chilly days.

Summer:

When cold, this iced cranberry tea recipe also works as a sweet and tart refreshment on a hot summer day.

In short: Cranberry Orange Tea can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Equipment

Large Stock Pot OR Slow Cooker
Strainer

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Christmas Desserts Around the World

Holiday Episodes of The Storied Recipe

Listen to Laura's Episode: Thanksgiving in Italy

Episode 007: Thanksgiving in Italy

Follow The Storied Recipe in Your Favorite Player

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