Sugared Cranberries and Cranberry Simple Syrup

Winter is (officially) finally upon us. Here in Colorado that means lots of snow clinging to evergreen trees, innumerable trips into the mountains, and two very happy fluffy puppies. It also happens to mean that there are going to be huge bags of cranberries that you might not know what to do with- Thanksgiving already filled our bellies and there is only so much cranberry garland that you can make. So, why not take those gorgeous little berries, create some sugared cranberries, and decorate a cake (or just snack on them- guilty as charged.)

Sugared cranberries are so easy to make, only need two ingredients (three if you count water), and you’re left with a delicious cranberry simple syrup that is divine in winter cocktails. So pop on your favorite winter apron- yes, I totally have a winter-specific apron I am that person- and get to work!

Sugared Cranberry Ingredients

12 Ounces Fresh Cranberries
1 and 1/2 Cups Sugar, divided
1/2 Cup Water

Sugared Cranberry Instructions

1 In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. TIP: Want more simple syrup? you can double the sugar and water!

2 Add the fresh cranberries into the sugar water, once again bring to a simmer and then turn down the heat to low. Stir to coat cranberries and let sit for 3-5 minutes or until the water is turning pink and the cranberries are soft to the touch.

3 Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries onto a drying rack and let sit for 30 minutes or until cranberries are no longer dripping and are tacky to the touch. TIP: Place your drying rack over a cookie sheet or parchment paper to save yourself the trouble of scrubbing your sticky countertop!

4 If you like the consistency of the simple syrup left in the pan, leave it be! But you can also thicken it by allowing it to simmer down for another few minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and enjoy your cocktails!

5 Add remaining cup of sugar into a large bowl. Working in batches, toss the simple-syrup coated cranberries in your granulated sugar until they look like they sparkle and transfer back onto drying rack and wait until they are fully dry.