Description
Sweet, tart cranberries coated in a crunchy sugar shell make the perfect festive garnish for vodka cocktails or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vodka
- Optional – Lemon zest
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
[‘Don’t rush the drying process to ensure a crunchy sugar shell.’, ‘Reserve the cranberry-infused syrup for cocktails or other recipes.’, ‘Experiment with flavors by adding orange juice or cinnamon to the sugar syrup.’, ‘Shake the baking sheet gently every 30 minutes while drying to prevent cranberries from sticking together.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: candied cranberries, vodka garnish, holiday recipe, cocktail garnish, festive snack