15 Festive Holiday Recipes With Cranberry Juice

Delight your guests with festive holiday recipes featuring cranberry juice, like refreshing cocktails, zesty marinades, and tangy sauces for a seasonal twist.

Cranberry juice adds vibrant color and tangy flavor to holiday dishes and drinks. From cocktails to desserts, these recipes will make your celebrations special. Discover creative ways to use this seasonal ingredient.

1. Classic Holiday Cranberry Sauce

This traditional recipe gets a flavor boost from cranberry juice. The juice intensifies the berry flavor while adding natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in saucepan
2. Simmer 15 minutes until cranberries burst
3. Remove cinnamon stick and cool
4. Chill overnight for best flavor

For extra texture, stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts before chilling. This sauce pairs perfectly with turkey or roasted meats.

2. Sparkling Cranberry Cocktails

Impress guests with these easy, festive drinks. The cranberry juice base works with various spirits.

Variations:

Cranberry Sparkler

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• Top with club soda

Holiday Royale

• 1 oz bourbon
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• Champagne float

For non-alcoholic versions, use freshly juiced cranberries mixed with ginger ale.

3. Cranberry Glazed Ham

This showstopping main dish features a glossy cranberry glaze. The juice creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Ingredient	Amount
Spiral-cut ham	8-10 lbs
Cranberry juice	1 cup
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
Dijon mustard	2 tbsp

Bake ham at 325°F, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes. The final result will have a beautiful caramelized crust.

4. Cranberry Juice Punch

This large-batch drink serves a crowd. It’s perfect for open houses or holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 liters ginger ale
• 1 orange, sliced

Mix juices and chill overnight. Add ginger ale just before serving. Float orange slices and cranberries for garnish.

5. Cranberry Bread Pudding

Transform stale holiday bread into a decadent dessert. The cranberry juice adds moisture and flavor.

Key Steps:

1. Soak cubed bread in cranberry juice mixture
2. Fold in fresh cranberries
3. Bake until custard sets
4. Serve with vanilla sauce

For extra richness, use homemade cranberry juice in the custard base.

6. Cranberry Vinaigrette

Brighten up holiday salads with this simple dressing. It pairs well with bitter greens and goat cheese.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Shake all ingredients in jar until emulsified. Stores well in refrigerator for up to one week.

7. Cranberry Ice Cubes

Add festive flair to any holiday drink with these simple ice cubes.

How To Make:

1. Fill ice cube tray halfway with cranberry juice
2. Add fresh cranberries or rosemary sprigs
3. Top with water and freeze

Use in champagne, cocktails, or sparkling water. For clear ice, use strained cranberry juice.

8. Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

Give holiday appetizers a tangy twist with this unique sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes. Excellent with meatballs or sliders.