Healthy Sugar-Free Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe

Sugar-Free Cranberry Juice Cocktail Recipe

Today I decided to create a healthy version of cranberry juice cocktail. My version uses no high fructose corn syrup, sugary fruit juices, or sugar. Cranberries are very high in anti-oxidants, it's all the sugar that is normally found in cranberry juice cocktail that is a heath concern. This would be an excellent drink for U.T.I., a common female ailment.

I chose to use xylitol for it's anti-cavity and anti-bacterial properties. I add stevia glycerite to cut back on the amount of xylitol needed, and to create a more balanced sweetening profile. The BioSalt adds minerals and the ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) adds a bit more dimension to the drinks flavor.

This is a great recipe to use up some extra cranberries you may have left over from the holidays.

SUGAR-FREE CRANBERRY JUICE COCKTAIL RECIPE:

Yield: 1/2 gallon

Difficulty Level: Easy-Peasy

12 ounces cranberries
8 1/2 c. water, divided
1/2 c. xylitol
1 t. stevia glycerite
1/4 t. ascorbic acid crystals or powder
1/8 t. BioSalt (recipe is on this blog)

Method:

In a blender or food processor, roughly puree the washed and sorted cranberries in 2 cups of the water. Pour into a large non-reactive pot.

Add 2 cups water to the emptied blender (put the lid on!) and turn it on long enough so that the sides are rinsed clean of the berries. Pour blender contents into the pot.

Add 2 cups more water to the pot and bring the mixture up to a boil on medium-high heat. As soon as it starts to boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes. then take off heat and let cool a while.


Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a 1/2-gallon glass jar (with tight fitting lid). use a silicone spatula to stir the pulp as you strain, to release more juice.


Mix the spent pulp with the last 1/2 cup water and strain into your juice container.


Add the xylitol, stevia glycerite, ascorbic acid, and BioSalt. Put the lid on tightly and shake to dissolve the xylitol. Taste for sweetness and chill.


Serve over crushed ice. Yum.


Note: I mix the spent cranberry pulp into natural, unsweetened applesauce and sweeten it to taste with a few drops of stevia glycerite, or other healthy sweetener of choice.

Tip: Now brand stevia glycerite works well and can be found at health food stores. Ascorbic acid and Xylitol can also be found at health food stores.

Cranberry juice cocktail in the making

Straining and stirring the cranberry pulp

Cranberry pulp with the 1/2 c. added water

Finished Cranberry Juice Cocktail

Note: The quininic acid found in cranberries is what causes the distinctive bitter taste, and is also thought to have nutraceutical properties. When consumed, quininic acid is converted to Hippuric acid, which removes toxins from the urinary tract and kidneys. Here's to your Health!

Author, Leila