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The Ultimate Unsweetened Cranberry Juice to Recharge Body & Mind

Festive unsweetened cranberry juice with ice, rosemary, and sugared rim in a glass

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Enjoy a clean and refreshing homemade drink with this unsweetened cranberry juice recipe. Made with just cranberries and water, it’s naturally tart, antioxidant-rich, and completely sugar-free. Perfect for detox routines, daily hydration, or as a base for smoothies and mocktails, this simple recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal ingredients. A great alternative to sugary store-bought juices, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

6 cups filtered water

Optional add-ins (for flavor, no sugar):

1 lemon slice

1 orange peel

1 small cinnamon stick

A few mint leaves

Instructions

  • Rinse the cranberries thoroughly with cold water. No need to thaw frozen ones.

    Rinsing fresh cranberries under cold running water in a kitchen colander

  • Add cranberries and water to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

    Cranberries gently boiling in a stainless steel pot on the stove

  • Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and soften.

    Cranberries simmering in a pot with some berries bursting and releasing juice

  • Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

    Cooked cranberry mixture cooling in the pot after simmering

  • Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press the pulp to extract as much juice as possible.

    Straining cranberry juice through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bowl

  • Add optional flavor boosters like lemon, cinnamon, or mint into the bottle while warm.

  • Transfer to a clean glass bottle or jar. Store in the fridge.

    Homemade unsweetened cranberry juice in a clear glass bottle ready for refrigeration

  • Shake before serving. Keeps fresh for 5 to 7 days.

Notes

  • For stronger flavor, use less water (4–5 cups).
  • Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays for smoothies or mocktails.
  • Add a splash of orange or apple juice when serving if the juice is too tart.
  • Allergen & Diet Info:
  •  Sugar-free
  • Vegan
  •  Gluten-free
  •  Whole30 & Paleo-friendly
  •  No preservatives or concentrates