How to Make Cranberry Juice From Dried Cranberries

To make cranberry juice from dried cranberries, simmer 1 cup of dried cranberries in 4 cups of water for 20 minutes, then strain and sweeten to taste.

Transform dried cranberries into delicious homemade juice with this simple guide. Enjoy fresh, tart flavor without added sugars or preservatives found in store-bought versions.

Why Make Cranberry Juice From Dried Cranberries?

Dried cranberries offer year-round availability and concentrated flavor. Unlike fresh cranberries, they don’t require seasonal timing or freezer space. Making juice from dried berries lets you control sweetness and avoid artificial additives.

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
• May support urinary tract health
• Contains beneficial polyphenols

3 Methods for Making Dried Cranberry Juice

1. Simple Steeping Method

This no-cook approach preserves nutrients:

1. Combine 1 cup dried cranberries with 4 cups hot water
2. Steep for 4-6 hours or overnight
3. Strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh
4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired

2. Blender Method

For quicker results:

1. Soak 1 cup dried cranberries in 2 cups warm water for 1 hour
2. Blend until smooth (about 2 minutes)
3. Strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer
4. Dilute with additional water to taste

3. Stovetop Method

Traditional cooked version:

1. Combine 2 cups dried cranberries with 6 cups water
2. Simmer for 20-25 minutes
3. Mash berries with potato masher
4. Strain and cool before serving

Flavor Variations

Add-In	Amount	Flavor Profile
Orange zest	1 tbsp	Bright citrus notes
Cinnamon stick	1 whole	Warm spice
Ginger root	1 inch piece	Spicy kick

Equipment Recommendations

For best results, consider these tools:

• High-powered blender for smooth texture
• Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag for clear juice
• Glass jars for storage (keeps 5-7 days refrigerated)

Pro Tips

• Choose unsweetened dried cranberries to control sugar content
• Add lemon juice to brighten flavor and preserve color
• For sparkling juice, mix with club soda before serving
• Freeze in ice cube trays for portioned use in smoothies

Health Considerations

While cranberry juice offers benefits, be mindful of:

• Natural tartness may require sweeteners for some palates
• Potential interactions with blood-thinning medications
• High acidity may affect tooth enamel – drink through a straw

For more juice-making techniques, explore Healthline’s cranberry juice guide or learn about juice preparation methods from Food Network.