How to Make Cranberry Tea {Thanksgiving Tea - Christmas Tea}

Welcome to The Storied Recipe! This recipe for 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 Cranberry Orange Tea!

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 spiced tea gives a cozy special feeling, even before the first sip!

One important note to say right up front: Although this Cranberry Tea punch recipe is lovingly referred to as “Thanksgiving Tea”, there is no actual tea in the recipe. Not unlike an herbal tea, this tea is just cranberries, water, warming spices, and a little citrus.

P.S. Love fresh cranberries recipes? Try these Frozen Cranberry Bites, another elegant alternative to cranberry sauce. To make these beauties, combine a creamy cranberry mixture with pineapple & pecans (and sometimes fresh fruit), then pour into decorative holiday cupcake liners and freeze.

Jump to:

• Laura's Memories of Hot Cranberry Orange Tea
• Listen to Laura's Episode: Thanksgiving in Italy
• Follow The Storied Recipe in Your Favorite Player
• Q: Hot Drink or Cold Drink?
• Natural Cranberry Tea Benefits
• Ingredients
• How to Make Hot Cranberry Tea
• Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment
• When to Enjoy Spiced Cranberry Tea
• More Thanksgiving Recipes
• Christmas Desserts Around the World
• Holiday Episodes of The Storied Recipe
• Cranberry Tea {Thanksgiving Tea - Christmas Tea}

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's Episode: Thanksgiving in Italy

Episode 007: Thanksgiving in Italy

Follow The Storied Recipe in Your Favorite Player

Q: Hot Drink or Cold Drink?

A: 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
• A steamy cup of
• At Thanksgiving dinner, this "Thanksgiving Tea" can be a refreshing cold complement to
• 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.

Natural Cranberry Tea Benefits

While there's no denying this is a very sweet tea (which, of course, you can adjust), it's not all bad! 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, consider cutting down on the sugar.)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Cold water
• Sugar
• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Garnish with orange slices or orange zest curls

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

How to Make Hot Cranberry Tea

Stove Top:

• Boil cranberries and spices at least half an hour
• Drain cranberries (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.

Variations & Substitutions

• Replacements for Orange Juice & Lemon Juice combination
  • Lime juice
  • Apple juice (If you add this, cut the sugar to ½ cup or less)
  • Ginger ale (If you add this, cut the sugar to ½ 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

Equipment

Large Stock Pot OR Slow Cooker

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 enjoy with thanksgiving leftovers!

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.

Summer:

And finally, when drunk iced, this cold 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.

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Christmas Desserts Around the World

Holiday Episodes of The Storied Recipe