MSG Free Hot Spiced Cranberry Drink
Warm, deeply spiced, and fragrant with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, this mulled cranberry drink is the kind of thing that makes a cold evening feel genuinely cozy. The tartness of 100% cranberry juice plays beautifully against the sweetness of maple syrup, and the orange peel adds a bright citrus note that ties everything together. Many store-bought spiced ciders and holiday drinks sneak in flavor enhancers or additives that can be hard to spot on a label, so making this from scratch puts you fully in control of every ingredient. The whole spices do all the heavy lifting here — no seasoning packets, no shortcuts, just real aromatics simmered low and slow until the liquid turns a gorgeous, jewel-toned red. A gentle simmer (never a rolling boil) keeps the flavors balanced and the aroma incredible. Strain it into mugs, adjust the sweetness to your liking with a little extra maple syrup, and finish with an orange slice for a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, no added sweeteners)
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup, plus more to taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 3 strips orange peel (about 3 inches each, pith removed)
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- orange slices, for serving (optional)
- cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cranberry juice, water, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel strips, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- 2
Heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to steam and small bubbles form around the edges, about 8–10 minutes. Do not bring to a full boil.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!