Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup

Tip your bartender – Venmo: @highproofpreacher

Want a holiday cocktail secret weapon? This might be it.

Personal suggestion: try this syrup in a spirit-forward cocktail, like an Old Fashioned or Sazerac.

Then again, this Winter Margarita was pretty tasty too.

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Ingredients:

• Unsweetened cranberry juice

• Cane sugar

• Whole cinnamon sticks

• Star Anise

• Whole Cloves

• Allspice

• Fresh ginger

• One orange

Instructions:

1. Add equal parts unsweetened cranberry juice and cane sugar to a saucepan (I did 8 oz (by weight) of each).

2. Heat on low and stir until sugar is completely dissolved into the juice.

3. Add several whole cinnamon sticks, a pinch of freshly crushed allspice, some whole cloves, several star anise and a little fresh cut ginger. I didn’t measure any of the spices exactly– feel free to just add more (or less) of whatever spices you prefer.

4. Lightly simmer for a few minutes before removing from heat.

5. While the syrup is cooling, add a few strips of orange zest and allow everything to steep until completely cooled.

6. Strain out the solids and transfer syrup to a jar or bottle and store in the fridge for 2 weeks.

7. Add a teaspoon of vodka to extend the shelf-life another week or two.

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