Drinks

Cleansing Cranberry Tea Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

This Cleansing Cranberry Tea is a vibrant, warming drink perfect for cozy afternoons or whenever you need a refreshing boost. Infused with fresh cranberries, citrus, and warming spices, it offers a natural, tangy sweetness that soothes and revitalizes.

Two white cups filled with dark red liquid, each sitting on white saucers with a subtle purple rim, are placed on a rustic wooden surface. One cup is positioned near the top left, the other near the bottom right. To the right side of the image, there is a halved orange showing its bright, juicy orange inside. At the lower left corner of the image, a cinnamon stick and a few dark round berries add small accents to the scene, all set against the rough wood texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 quarts cold water
12 ounces fresh cranberries (rinsed)
1/2 cup turbinado sugar (or sweetener of choice)
2 medium oranges (juiced, keep the rind)
1 large lime (juiced, keep the rind)
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
4 sprigs mint
Slice of orange (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cold water, fresh cranberries, turbinado sugar, orange juice, and lime juice.
Step 2: Place the whole cloves, mint sprigs, orange rind, and lime rind in a piece of cheesecloth, tie it securely with butcher twine, and add the bundle to the saucepan.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the cranberry mixture for approximately 30 minutes, until you hear the cranberries begin to pop.
Step 5: Remove and discard the citrus and spice bundle from the pot.
Step 6: Take out the cinnamon sticks and strain the liquid through a sieve to remove solids, reserving the clear tea.
Step 7: Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 8: Optionally, save the leftover cranberry mixture to add to breads, muffins, or smoothies for extra flavor.
Step 9: Serve the tea warm, garnished with a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a slice of ginger if desired.
Step 10: Store any leftover tea in a plastic container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Step 11: Reheat a cup when ready for a comforting hot drink.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier twist, add a few slices of fresh ginger while simmering.
Substitute turbinado sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
The leftover spiced cranberry blend is perfect stirred into yogurt or spread on toast.
If you prefer cold tea, chill it after cooling and serve over ice with a sprig of mint.

Storage

Store the tea in a sealed plastic container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, simply reheat a cup in a microwave or on the stove until steaming hot.

How to Serve

A white cup filled with bright red liquid, smooth and glossy, sits on a white saucer. The cup is round with a small curved handle on the right side. The surface around the cup has a white marbled texture, and there is a slice of lemon faintly visible in the top left corner. The red liquid looks thick and even, covering the entire inner surface of the cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well and can be used directly without thawing. The flavor might be slightly different, but the tea will still be delicious.