Cinnamon Cumin Cranberry Spritzer

Sharing is caring!

Tis the season folks,  no not Christmas yet, I am talking November Cold season. Yes it is a real thing I promise you.  In the North especially after Day Light Savings when it is dark and dreary, we need a season.  It’s a prep for end of Fall not yet time for Ho Ho Ho time of year.  It is a time to start prepping for the holidays, when you start planning recipes for baking, drinks for making and well just plan in general.  Today we are prepping for a new November Season Cocktail.  Time to spice up the Cranberry and introduce you to a Cinnamon Cumin Cranberry Spritzer. It is a triple C threat,

Cinnamon and Cumin-Infused Cranberry Spritzer

This delightful beverage is a delicious way to celebrate the November season. Plus it can easily take you into the Holidays and even into the New Year,  It’s a warm your cockles kind of drink.   Here, the classic flavor combination of cranberry, orange, and cinnamon is complemented by the unexpected addition of cumin. For me a my entertaining pleasure I am sticking to a pure alcoholic cocktail.

When the Children want a drink, well let’s try something other than a Cinnamon and Cumin infused cocktail. Today’s yummy treat mixes well with Vodka or Whisky, trust me.

Let’s get Prepping for a Cocktail

For the ingredients, let’s get shopping.  Now if you are looking for a little cheat, you do not have to add the cranberries but I highly recommend having a few for garnish.

1 c. fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ c. honey
½ c. water
2 T whole cumin seeds
4 cinnamon sticks
3 c. unsweetened cranberry juice
2 medium organic oranges, each cut into 8 wedges
Optional: ½ c. vodka
3 c. sparkling water

Optional Garnish:
Additional cinnamon sticks
6 long rosemary sprigs, lower leaves removed, and threaded with fresh cranberries

Mixing your Cinnamon Cumin Cranberry Cocktail

1. Add cranberries, honey, water, cumin seeds, and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the honey is melted and the spices are intensely fragrant.
2. Remove from heat and transfer to a large glass  bowl. Pour in the cranberry juice and Vodka/Whisky and add the orange wedges. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight.
3. Once thoroughly chilled, remove from refrigerator.  Quick tip:  firmly squeeze each orange wedge into the bowl to capture the juice before discarding. Strain mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and discard the remaining wedges.
4. To serve, fill serving glasses with ice and add enough of the seasoned cranberry juice mixture to fill each glass about 1/3 full. Top off each glass with sparkling water and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and/or rosemary skewers and serve immediately.