Easy Homemade Cranberry Vanilla Liqueur

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This year we are spending Thanksgiving with friends, so I thought I’d make some Easy Homemade Cranberry Vanilla Liqueur. It will make a nice hostess gift.

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I love making homemade gifts for many reasons. It can often be more economical, it shows you put a lot of time, effort, and thought into the gift and it’s very personalized. 

This liqueur is easier to make than you think. It starts with a good vanilla vodka because something you like is going to taste better. There are many on the market.

You also need frozen cranberries. Fresh cranberries work in a pinch. The key tool is a food processor. While you can use a blender, a food processor will make quick work of the cranberries.

I know, these pulsed cranberries don’t look pretty. You are going to add this to the vanilla vodka because that’s where all the flavor lives. You may be wondering why not just use whole cranberries. Breaking them down lets the flavor seep into the vodka.

Once strained, the result is a gorgeous, red clear liqueur. Steeping takes 2 to 3 weeks so be sure to plan ahead if making this for gifts.

More Cranberry recipes on the site include cranberry butter, glazed cranberry almond squares, and cranberry orange shortbread bars with orange glaze.

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!

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Easy Homemade Cranberry Vanilla Liqueur

Enjoy as a cordial or use with mixers for a cocktail.

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time0 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Beverages and Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 Liter

Author: Ellen Folkman

Equipment

• Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel – Silver

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ cups frozen cranberries
• 750 ml vanilla vodka

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan, make a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil one minute. Remove from heat and cool.
• In the bowl of a food processor, puree the cranberries.
• In a large measuring cup, combine the vanilla vodka with the simple syrup. Stir to combine and then add cranberry puree. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 – 3 weeks, stirring every so often.
• Using a fine mesh strainer and ladle, strain mixture into one or two large measuring cups. Once mixture is strained, transfer to clean, decorative bottles. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use or gift.