Irresistible Candied Cranberries Recipe Perfect for Vodka Cocktails

Posted on November 10, 2025

The sparkle of candied cranberries paired with the smoothness of vodka creates the ultimate festive cocktail experience. Picture this: sweet, tart cranberries coated in a crunchy sugar shell that doubles as a stunning garnish and a lip-smacking treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will elevate your cocktail game and dazzle your guests. It’s simple, fun, and irresistibly delicious!

I remember the first time I made candied cranberries with vodka—it was a snowy December evening, and I wanted to surprise my friends with a unique cocktail garnish. The result? A show-stopping drink that had everyone swooning over the gorgeous, sparkly cranberries. Trust me, this recipe is so good, you’ll find yourself snacking on them before they even hit the glass!

These candied cranberries are perfect for adding a touch of magic to any vodka-based cocktail. The tartness of the cranberries complements the vodka beautifully, while their crunchiness brings an unexpected texture to the drink. Plus, they’re super easy to make and will have your guests thinking you’re a mixology master. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: These candied cranberries come together in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off.
Perfect for Holidays: Gorgeous, sparkly cranberries are ideal for festive gatherings or holiday cocktail parties.
Versatile: Use them as a garnish, snack, or even as a decorative topping for desserts like cakes and pies.
Impressive Yet Simple: No fancy skills required—just a few simple steps to create a stunning effect.
Unbelievably Delicious: The sweet crunch of sugar and the tart pop of cranberries pair wonderfully with vodka, creating a flavor explosion.

What sets this recipe apart is the use of vodka to infuse the cranberries with a subtle kick. It’s not just about looks—these candied cranberries are packed with flavor that elevates any cocktail. Plus, the sugar coating adds a unique texture that’s both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s festive, fun, and fabulous!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor and visual appeal. You likely already have most of these in your kitchen!

Fresh cranberries: Firm and ripe cranberries work best. Avoid bruised or soft ones.
Granulated sugar: The star of this recipe! You’ll use it for both coating and the syrup.
Water: Essential for making the sugar syrup.
Vodka: Choose a good-quality vodka for the best results. (You don’t need top-shelf, but avoid the super cheap stuff.)
Optional – Lemon zest: Adds a bright citrus note that complements the cranberries and vodka.

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can try maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic version, swap vodka with white grape juice or lemonade.

Equipment Needed

Medium saucepan: For making the sugar syrup and soaking the cranberries.
Fine mesh strainer: Helps drain the cranberries without losing their shape.
Baking sheet: Ideal for drying the sugar-coated cranberries.
Wax paper or parchment paper: Keeps the cranberries from sticking to the baking sheet.
Mixing bowls: A couple of bowls for mixing and coating.

If you don’t own a fine mesh strainer, you can use a slotted spoon instead—it works just as well! For budget-friendly options, feel free to use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper.

Preparation Method

Prepare the sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar and 1 cup (240ml) of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling the syrup.
Add the cranberries: Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and gently stir in 1 cup (100g) of fresh cranberries. Let them soak for about 20 minutes to absorb the syrup and soften slightly.
Drain the cranberries: Using a fine mesh strainer, carefully drain the cranberries, ensuring they retain their shape. Reserve the syrup for cocktails or other recipes—it’s packed with cranberry flavor!
Coat with sugar: Spread 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Roll the cranberries in the sugar until fully coated. You can use your hands or a spoon for this step.
Dry the cranberries: Let the coated cranberries sit on the baking sheet at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until the sugar forms a hard, crystallized shell.
Store and serve: Once dried, store the candied cranberries in an airtight container. Use them as a garnish for vodka cocktails or enjoy them as a snack!

Pro tip: If the cranberries are sticking together while drying, gently separate them with a fork or your fingers. They’ll keep their shape and look gorgeous!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t rush the drying process: Allow the cranberries to dry completely to ensure a crunchy sugar shell.
Use fresh cranberries: Their firmness helps them hold up during the soaking and coating process.
Reserve the syrup: The leftover cranberry-infused syrup is perfect for adding flavor to your vodka cocktails.
Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar syrup for a festive twist.
Chill the vodka: Cold vodka pairs beautifully with the sweet crunch of the cranberries.

If you’re worried about the sugar coating clumping together, shake the baking sheet gently every 30 minutes while drying. This keeps the cranberries separate and evenly coated.

Variations & Adaptations

Non-alcoholic version: Replace vodka with white grape juice or lemon juice for a kid-friendly and alcohol-free option.
Spiced cranberries: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar syrup for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.
Citrus twist: Mix lemon or orange zest into the sugar coating for a bright, tangy variation.
Low-sugar option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb version.

One of my favorite personal variations is to sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the candied cranberries—it adds a unique savory kick that pairs beautifully with vodka cocktails!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these candied cranberries chilled as a garnish alongside vodka cocktails like a classic vodka cranberry or a refreshing vodka soda. They also make an elegant topping for holiday desserts, such as frosted cakes or cheesecakes.

To store, place the cranberries in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To re-crisp them, simply roll them in fresh sugar before serving.

Pro tip: If you’re using them as a garnish, add them to your cocktail just before serving to prevent the sugar coating from dissolving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional benefits:

Calories: Approximately 50 per serving (1/4 cup).
Vitamin C: Cranberries are rich in this immune-boosting vitamin.
Antioxidants: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that promote overall health.
Low fat: This recipe is naturally low-fat and guilt-free.

While cranberries are tart and naturally low in sugar, the added sugar does increase the calorie count—so enjoy them in moderation! If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to substitute ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

These irresistible candied cranberries with vodka are the ultimate festive cocktail garnish that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe will bring a touch of sparkle and flavor to your drinks. I love how versatile they are—you can customize them to suit any occasion or preference!

Give this recipe a try and let me know how you use your candied cranberries. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or impressing your guests at your next party, I’d love to hear your creative ideas. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media!

Cheers to a festive season filled with delicious treats and irresistible cocktails!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries work best, as frozen ones can become too soft during the soaking process. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before starting.

How can I make these cranberries non-alcoholic?

Simply replace the vodka with white grape juice, apple juice, or lemon juice for a kid-friendly version.

How do I prevent the sugar coating from clumping?

Shake the baking sheet gently every 30 minutes while the cranberries are drying to keep them separate.

Can I store these cranberries in the freezer?

It’s not recommended, as freezing can affect the texture of the sugar coating. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge instead.

What cocktails pair well with candied cranberries?

They’re perfect for vodka-based drinks like vodka cranberry, martinis, or even vodka sodas with a splash of lime!

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