Isn’t it a shame that there are so many flavors we miss out on in the summer? Well, I guess you wouldn’t really feel like hazelnut hot chocolate in July(or maybe you would?), but I’m talking more in the realm of citrus. Because what else would I talk about. I’m obsessed.
But, really, when it’s blazing hot, all of those pretty, juicy, refreshing Blood Oranges, Meyer Lemons, Clementines, etc, are no where to be found. So I’m taking care of that with my Winter Lemonade series. I’ve covered Meyer Lemons with THIS favorite of mine, and today I’m taking on Blood Oranges and Cranberries.
I think I’d drink this lemonade just based on the color alone. In a winter slump? This color will pull you right on out. But it tastes as punch-y as it looks, with a zing from the cranberries and a sweet tangy-ness from the oranges.
You can use fresh cranberries, or frozen. I always keep a large bag in the freezer. They freeze beautifully and don’t clump, which with berries is always a bonus.
Make the lemonade base several hours before you need it so that it’s nice and cold. The base will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator and can easily be frozen for later uses. When serving, throw a few frozen cranberries and orange slices into each glass for a fun presentation. If you have mint, toss a sprig on top too. The color combo is gorgeous.
- 1 C. Fresh Cranberries
- 2¼ C. Sugar
- 2 C. Water
- 2 C. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 2 C. Freshly Squeezed Blood Orange Juice
- Water, to taste
- Place cranberries, sugar, and 2 C. water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium/high heat. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice to the pan and bring back to a boil.
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the remaining solids to extract excess liquid. Discard solids. Let the cranberry/lemon syrup cool. Stir in the blood orange juice and refrigerate.
- To serve: Mix lemonade base with cold water and serve over ice. I like to use a 1:1 ratio of syrup to water, but taste as you add water to find a ratio that you like.
