Cranberry Infused Water: Recipe and Steeping Guide

Cranberry infused water is water steeped with cranberries; this recipe takes 2 hours 10 minutes and yields about 1 litre (4¼ US cups). For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is cranberry infused water?

Cranberry infused water is a type of fruit infused water made by letting cranberries sit in water in the refrigerator. The berries give the water a subtle tart flavour without requiring juice or added sugar.

Fresh or frozen cranberries work in this recipe. Cutting them helps expose the inside of the fruit to the water; you can strain them out before serving.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Use about 150 g of cranberries for every 1 litre of water. This makes a lightly flavoured drink; adjust the amount of fruit to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 150 g (about 1 cup) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1,000 ml (about 4¼ cups) drinking water

Yield: About 1 litre (4¼ cups), after straining. Hands-on preparation: About 10 minutes. Refrigerated steep: 2 hours for the first serving.

Choose plain, unsweetened cranberries if you want a drink without added sugar. The recipe uses whole fruit for infusion, not cranberry juice or a blended mixture.

How do you make cranberry infused water?

1. Rinse the cranberries under cool running water and discard any that are spoiled.
2. Cut the cranberries in half on a clean cutting board. If using frozen berries, let them soften just enough to cut safely.
3. Add the cranberries and water to a clean pitcher or covered jar.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a stronger flavour.
5. Strain out the berries if you prefer, and serve the cranberry infused water chilled.

Keep the container covered while the fruit steeps. If you leave the berries in after the initial steep, continue to refrigerate the water and follow the storage guidance below.

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How long should cranberry infused water steep?

Steep cranberry infused water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours. Taste it after 2 hours, then leave it longer if you prefer a more noticeable cranberry flavour.

The flavour will remain relatively gentle because the fruit is steeped rather than blended or squeezed. Cutting the berries before adding them gives the water more contact with the fruit.

How should you store cranberry infused water?

Keep cranberry infused water covered and refrigerated. Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavour, and discard it after 2–3 days or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Refrigerate the pitcher promptly rather than leaving it on the counter. Do not leave the drink at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

What cranberry infused water variations can you make?

For a citrus and spice variation, try cranberry orange cinnamon water. If you add citrus peel to your own pitcher, strain it out after about 4 hours to limit bitterness from the pith.

You can also change the cranberry-to-water ratio while keeping the same refrigerated steeping and storage routine. Start with the recipe above so you can tell how much flavour you prefer before adding more fruit.

What are the benefits of cranberry infused water?

Cranberry infused water offers a way to enjoy water and support hydration. Steeped, unsqueezed infused water is generally very low in calories; blending, squeezing or eating the fruit adds calories from the fruit.

Evidence about cranberry products does not automatically establish the benefits of this lightly infused drink. Your liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste; cranberry infused water is not a special cleanse.

Read more about cranberry infused water benefits, including how the evidence applies to different cranberry products.

Who should be careful with cranberry infused water?

Avoid cranberry infused water if you are allergic to cranberries. If you take warfarin, check with your clinician before regularly consuming cranberry products because of a possible interaction; do not change your medication on your own.

Cranberry infused water should not replace medical care for a suspected urinary tract infection. Contact a clinician if you have symptoms such as painful urination, and seek prompt care if you also have fever or back pain. See cranberry infused water side effects for more considerations.

FAQs

Find more answers below about the fruit, flavour and ingredient options.