This Cranberry Orange Warming Tea is my go-to for a cozy, comforting drink. It’s super simple to make and fills your home with the most wonderful aroma. Perfect for a chilly day or when you need a little pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Fresh Cranberries: Frozen cranberries work too, just don’t thaw them first.
- Oranges: You can use navel oranges or even mandarins for a sweeter citrus note.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar are great vegan alternatives.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Ground cinnamon can be used in a pinch (about 1/2 tsp), but sticks give a better flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger can be substituted (1/4 tsp), but fresh is best for that zing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Medium saucepan, fine-mesh sieve
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and sliced ginger. Make sure everything is nestled comfortably in the pot.
2. Bring to a Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
3. Simmer to Infuse Flavors
Allow the tea to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This lets all the wonderful cranberry, orange, and spice flavors really develop and infuse into the water. The cranberries will soften and burst.
4. Sweeten the Tea
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the honey until it’s fully dissolved. Taste and add more honey if you prefer a sweeter warming tea.
5. Strain and Serve
Carefully pour the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher or directly into mugs. Discard the solids. Serve your cranberry orange warming tea immediately and enjoy!
Storage Instructions:
Leftover Cranberry Orange Warming Tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Can I use dried cranberries?
It’s not recommended. Dried cranberries are much sweeter and won’t give the same fresh, tart flavor. -
Can I make a big batch?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people or for meal prepping. -
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, but fresh ginger provides a brighter flavor. -
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! A few cloves or a star anise would also be lovely additions to this warming tea. -
Is this tea good for a sore throat?
The warmth and soothing ingredients can be comforting for a sore throat, but it’s not a medical treatment. -
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tea ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.