Ingredients
2 quarts water3 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries5 cups sugar5 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)ADDITIONAL INGREDIENT FOR CRANBERRY COOLER:1 liter ginger ale, chilledADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR CRAN-APPLE DRINK:2 cups apple juice, chilled2 cups club soda, chilledADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR CRANBERRY-LEMON SPARKLE:1-1/2 quarts cold water1-1/2 quarts ginger ale, chilled1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawedADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR CRANBERRY TEA:2 cups club soda, chilled2 cups iced tea, chilled
Preparation
In a Dutch oven, bring the water, cranberries, sugar and cinnamon to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until berries pop. Mash slightly with a potato masher; simmer 5 minutes longer.
Strain and discard pulp and cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate syrup in 2-cup portions for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before using. Yield: 5 batches (about 10 cups total).
To prepare Cranberry Cooler: In a pitcher, combine 2 cups cranberry syrup and ginger ale. Serve over ice. Yield: 6 servings.
To prepare Cran-Apple Drink: In a pitcher, combine 2 cups cranberry syrup, apple juice and club soda. Serve over ice. Yield: 6 servings.
To prepare Cranberry-Lemonade Sparkle: In a punch bowl, combine water, ginger ale, 4 cups cranberry syrup and lemonade concentrate. Serve over ice. Yield: 18-20 servings.
To prepare Cranberry Tea: In a pitcher, combine 2 cups cranberry syrup, club soda and iced tea. Serve over ice. Yield: 6 servings.
