• Place a heat proof measuring bowl with a fine mesh strainer next to the stove. If storing the cranberry simple syrup clean a glass jar with lid with soap and hot water.
• If using fresh cranberries, wash them by spraying them with water. Look for small leaves or twigs. There is no need to wash frozen cranberries.
• With a sharp knife roughly chop the cranberries, which means to leave them in large pieces. Frozen cranberries are easier to chop than fresh cranberries.
• Place the cranberries, water, and sugar in a 3 or 4-quart saucepan. Stir together until the sugar starts to dissolve.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. You should see small bubbles start to appear around the edges of the pan in the middle of the cranberries and the cranberries should start to pop. Once these bubbles start to appear reduce the heat to low and simmer the cranberries for another 5 minutes. At this point the cranberries should be soft.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover the pan with a lid and let the cranberries sit for 5 minutes.
• Pour the cranberries into the fine mesh strainer into the bowl below. Use the back of a large spoon to press the cranberries to get as much liquid as possible out of the cranberries. Let the cranberries drain for 5 minutes.
• Pour the syrup into the storage container and let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
• The leftover cranberry solids can be used in smoothies or add them to your oatmeal.

Storage

• The simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If it turns cloudy or you see any mold discard it immediately.

How to Use the Cranberry Simple Syrup

• This syrup is great for drinks and cocktails. Use about 3-4 tablespoons for each drink depending on the other ingredients and how strong you want the cranberry flavor in your drink

How to Make Cranberry Ice Cubes

• Refrigerate the cranberry syrup overnight. Pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add the cranberry ice cubes to your favorite drinks or cocktails.