Christmas Cranberry Juice Canning: A Beautiful Homemade Holiday Gift

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Transform fresh cranberries into holiday gifts with this simple canning recipe. Each jar showcases whole cranberries suspended in clear juice, creating a festive display that looks like floating Christmas ornaments. Create a delicious cranberry juice gift

Why Make Christmas Cranberry Juice?

• Creates unique, memorable holiday presents
• More affordable than store-bought gifts when making multiple jars
• Can be prepared months ahead of the holiday season
• Beautiful red color perfectly matches Christmas decor
• Makes an ideal base for holiday cocktails and punches
• Shows thoughtfulness and care through homemade gifts

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Equipment Needed

Basic Canning Equipment:

• Water bath canner with rack GRAB THE BEST CANNER HERE
• Clean quart mason jars (I prefer the regular mouth for this recipe) GRAB JAR HERE
• New canning lids and rings GRAB SOME NEW LIDS
• Jar lifter
• Canning funnel
• Bubble popper tool
• Clean kitchen towels
• Large pot or kettle for boiling water
• Ladle or heat-safe measuring cup

Gift Preparation Supplies:

• Holiday ribbon
• Gift tags
• Decorative labels

Timing for Christmas Gifts

• September: Gather supplies and jars
• October: Buy fresh cranberries when in season
• November: Complete canning
• Early December: Prepare gift packaging
• Mid-December: Distribute gifts

Ingredients (Makes 7 Quart Jars)

Per Quart Jar:

• 1½ cups fresh whole cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar (or ⅓ cup honey)
• Boiling water to fill
• Optional festive additions per jar:
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise pod
  • 3-inch strip of orange peel
  • 2 whole cloves

Instructions

Preparation:

1. Wash jars in hot, soapy water and keep hot
2. Place new lids in warm (not boiling) water
3. Fill canner with water and a splash of vinegar then begin heating
4. Sort cranberries, selecting firm, unblemished berries
5. Prepare kettle for filling jars

Filling Jars:

1. Add 1½ cups cranberries to each clean, hot jar
2. Add ½ cup sugar or ⅓ cup honey to each jar
3. Add any optional spices if desired
4. Fill jars with boiling water, leaving ¼ inch headspace
5. Remove air bubbles with bubble tool
6. Wipe jar rims clean with damp cloth
7. Center lids and apply bands fingertip-tight

Processing:

1. Place jars in canner, ensuring 1-2 inches water coverage
2. Process for 25 minutes (adjust for altitude below)
3. Turn off heat, remove lid, let sit 5 minutes
4. Remove jars to cooling rack
5. Let cool undisturbed for 24 hours.

Altitude Adjustments:

• 0-1,000 feet: 25 minutes
• 1,001-3,000 feet: 30 minutes
• 3,001-6,000 feet: 35 minutes
• Above 6,000 feet: 40 minutes

Holiday Gift Presentation

Basic Gift Preparation:

1. Remove rings and wash jars
2. Add holiday ribbon around neck
3. Attach decorative label
4. Include gift tag with serving suggestions

Holiday Serving Ideas

Christmas Cocktails:

1. Christmas Morning Mimosa
   • 2 parts prosecco
   • 1 part cranberry juice
   • Orange twist garnish
2. Holiday Mule
   • 2 oz vodka
   • 4 oz cranberry juice
   • Ginger beer
   • Lime wedge

Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks:

• Christmas Morning Spritzer (juice + sparkling water)
• Holiday Punch (juice + apple cider + ginger ale)
• Hot Christmas Cranberry Tea (heated juice + cinnamon stick)

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store in cool, dark place up to 18 months
• Refrigerate after opening
• Use within 1 week once opened
• Check seals before gifting or using

Tips for Success

1. Select fresh, firm cranberries
2. Use very hot water when filling
3. Remove air bubbles thoroughly
4. Process for full recommended time
5. Allow full cooling period
6. Check seals before gifting

Common Questions

Q: Can I reduce the sugar? A: Yes, sugar is for taste only and won’t affect preservation.

Q: Why do the berries float? A: This is normal and creates the beautiful ornament effect.

Q: How long before the juice is ready? A: Allow 2-3 weeks for optimal flavor development.

Gift Tags to Include

Remember to include these important details on gift tags:

• “Keep sealed jar in cool, dark place”
• “Best if used by [date – 18 months from canning]”
• “Refrigerate after opening”
• “Shake gently before serving”
• Serving suggestions

This homemade Christmas cranberry juice makes a thoughtful and beautiful holiday gift that friends and family will appreciate. The stunning presentation and versatil uses make it perfect for Christmas gift-giving, while the simple preparation method means you can easily make multiple jars for everyone on your list.