Theo Nash
Cranberries and grapes are both fruits that can be brewed into alcohol. Cranberries are often used in cocktails, such as the Cape Cod, Sea Breeze, and Madras. They can also be fermented into wine or cider. Grapes, on the other hand, are typically brewed into wine, but can also be used to make spirits like brandy or cognac. So, what types of alcohol can cranberries and grapes be brewed into? Let's explore the possibilities.
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Vodka cranberry
The Vodka Cranberry is a simple, crisp, and refreshing drink with a slight tang and subtle sweetness. It is a combination of vodka and cranberry juice, with a slice of lime and ice. The drink is served in a highball glass or a rocks glass.
The Vodka Cranberry is a versatile drink, which can be adapted to suit your taste. For example, you can adjust the ratio of vodka to cranberry juice to your preference, typically a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio. You can also add a garnish, such as a lime wedge, or skewered fresh cranberries and candied rosemary sprigs.
The Vodka Cranberry is a well-known drink, with a long history. It first appeared in the 1940s, when a cranberry juice producer marketed their product by mixing it with vodka and naming it "The Red Devil". However, the drink did not gain popularity until the 1960s, when vodka rose in popularity. The producer then relaunched the drink as the "Cape Codder", which is still a common name for the cocktail today.
The Vodka Cranberry is also the foundation for a family of cocktails known as "Breezes", which gained popularity in the 1970s. By adding or swapping a few simple ingredients, you can create a range of different drinks. For example, adding grapefruit juice creates a "Sea Breeze", pineapple juice makes a "Bay Breeze", and orange juice produces a "Madras".
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Cranberry wine
Cranberries can be used to make a delightful red wine. The process is simple, but it requires patience as the wine needs time to age properly. The recipe can be scaled up or down depending on how much wine you want to make. The basic ingredients are cranberries, water, sugar, and yeast. You can use either fresh cranberries or cranberry juice. If using fresh cranberries, you will need to chop them up in a food processor, being careful not to puree them, and then add them to the water and sugar mixture. This will make it easier for their juices and flavours to leech out.
If using cranberry juice, start by adding sugar to a saucepan and heating it until the sugar dissolves. If using fresh cranberries, add water instead of juice to dissolve the sugar. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, dissolve the yeast in a small amount of lukewarm water. This recipe will make about a gallon of wine, and you can use a single packet of yeast for up to 5 gallons.
For a gallon of wine, most people use 3 pounds of sugar. However, if you prefer your wine on the drier side, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 2 pounds. Cranberries are naturally very acidic, so you can skip the customary addition of acid. You can also add a yeast nutrient to make up for the fact that cranberries lack the same micronutrients as grapes. This will help the yeast thrive. If you don't have a yeast nutrient, you can use about 1/4 cup of raisins instead.
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Cranberry cocktails
Cranberries are a versatile cocktail ingredient, pairing well with most other fruits and any type of liquor. Cranberry cocktails are always a hit, and the majority of recipes require cranberry juice, so it's easy and cheap to mix up a great drink. Here are some ideas for cranberry cocktails:
Vodka Cranberry
The Vodka Cranberry is a simple two-ingredient drink—just add vodka and cranberry juice to taste, and garnish with a lime wedge. It's a crisp, refreshing drink with the tartness and subtle sweetness of cranberry juice balancing the smooth, clean flavour of vodka.
Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze is a classic cocktail that gained popularity in the 1960s. It's made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, and can be served as a classic cocktail or as a punch, making it ideal for bigger gatherings and parties. For a lighter Sea Breeze, add more grapefruit juice.
Bay Breeze
To make a Bay Breeze, simply swap the grapefruit juice in the Sea Breeze for pineapple juice.
Madras
To make a Madras, swap the grapefruit juice in the Sea Breeze for orange juice.
Woo-Woo
If you're craving that vodka-cranberry taste with a hint of peach, try the Woo-Woo. This drink adds peach schnapps to the vodka-cranberry mix.
Washington Apple
The Washington Apple is made with whiskey, sour apple schnapps, and cranberry juice in equal pours, so it's easy to make. This recipe specifically calls for Crown Royal, but you can use any whiskey you prefer.
Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail
This Christmas cranberry cocktail is made with vodka, rosemary simple syrup, ice, and optional rosemary sprigs, lime wedges, and fresh cranberries for garnish.
Zentini
For a refined sake cocktail, shake sake, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice together for what Absolut dubs a Zentini.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan (or Cosmo) is a fruity martini that is fun to experiment with. In the summer, adding a shot of watermelon liqueur transforms it into the refreshing watermelon cosmo.
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$5.48
Cranberry cider
To make cranberry cider on the stove, combine the juices with your desired spices and sweetener in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. If using whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks, you can use a slotted spoon to remove them before serving. The cider can also be made in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low for 3-4 hours, or until hot. Leftover cranberry cider can be stored in the fridge and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
For a boozy twist, you can spike your cranberry cider with rum, bourbon, or whiskey. You can also experiment with different types of cranberry juice, such as cranberry pomegranate juice, or use fresh cranberries instead of juice. The addition of lemon slices or other seasonings like allspice and ginger can further enhance the flavour of the cider.
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Cranberry beer
Cranberries are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and beer. In this article, we will focus on cranberry beer and provide a detailed guide on the different ways it can be made and its unique characteristics.
Long Trail Brewing Co.'s Cranberry Gose is a perfect example of a refreshing cranberry beer. It is brewed with freshly pressed New England cranberries, coriander, and a splash of salt, resulting in a ruby-red, effervescent ale with a delightful tartness.
Another approach to making cranberry beer is by adding cranberry juice after the primary fermentation stage. This method ensures that the yeast is not harmed by any preservatives in the juice. The type and amount of juice added will influence the final flavour, with some brewers opting for a combination of fresh and dried cranberries to achieve the desired balance of sweetness and tartness.
Additionally, cranberry beer can be enhanced with complementary ingredients such as rosemary, as seen in the cranberry-rosemary saison and Irish red beer variations. These beers showcase the versatility of cranberry as a key ingredient, adding a subtle fruitiness and a unique twist to traditional beer flavours.
In conclusion, cranberry beer offers a delightful departure from conventional beers, presenting a range of flavours from subtle hints of fruit to dominant cranberry characters. Whether made with whole cranberries, juice, or a combination of both, cranberry beer is a refreshing and intriguing option for beer enthusiasts and those looking to experiment with new flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Cranberries can be brewed into wine, cider, beer, or liquor.
Grapes are typically brewed into wine but can also be distilled into brandy.
Yes, cranberries can be used in liquors such as vodka, gin, tequila, and ouzo.
A simple cranberry cocktail is a vodka cranberry, which is made with vodka and cranberry juice.
Some popular cranberry cocktails include the Cape Cod, Sea Breeze, Bay Breeze, Madras, and Long Beach Iced Tea.
