Cranberry cocktail

The fascinating history of cranberries

With their rich red hue and tangy tartness, cranberries have long been a key feature of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. However, prior to that, they were a staple part of the Native American diet. People used the berries in everything from food and drink to medicine, including poultices to treat arrow wounds. They even utilized the vibrant scarlet of cranberry juice to dye clothing and other textiles. And now we’re harnessing it to give this cranberry cocktail its gorgeous color!

Interestingly, cranberries were also a central ingredient in an early version of the now-ubiquitous energy bar.(1) Known as pemmican, Native Americans made it by mixing crushed cranberries with dried deer meat and fat tallow. Thanks to its long shelf life and high protein and fat content, pemmican was a vital source of calories on winter trade routes.

The word ‘cranberry’ itself likely comes from ‘crane berry’, which is what German and Dutch colonists first called the fruit. They chose this name because the plant’s flower resembles the head and bill of a sandhill crane.

Others referred to cranberries as ‘fenberries’ because the fruit grows in fens (marshes). To suit this environment, nowadays many farmers collect the berries using a wet harvesting process. This involves flooding the marshland where they’re cultivated and churning the water to loosen the berries from their vines. As cranberries are buoyant, they float to the surface where workers can easily gather them.(2)

Cranberries are naturally quite tart, so their popularity really blossomed when people began sweetening them. Today, we enjoy the berry in all kinds of recipes – from muffins, sauces, and pies to this cranberry cocktail. This is not only thanks to their vibrant taste and color, but the wealth of potential health benefits they offer. Let’s take a closer look.

Potent plant compounds: cranberry health benefits

Cranberries are rich in several key plant compounds that can boost wellbeing. For instance, these include powerful antioxidant polyphenols, such as quercetin and myricetin. Antioxidants defend the body against cell damage caused by free radicals, which experts have linked to numerous chronic health conditions. Oxidative stress also contributes to ageing, so enjoying a cranberry cocktail might even help to keep you youthful!

Perhaps the most well-known health benefit of cranberries is that they can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.(3) This is in large part thanks to naturally antibacterial phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins. These prevent the bacterium Escherichia coli (a common cause of UTIs) from attaching to the inner surface of the bladder and urinary tract.

The antibacterial effect of this compound might also lower the risk of stomach cancer and gastric ulcers. Infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of these conditions. Studies suggest A-type proanthocyanidins can prevent H. pylori from attaching to the lining of the stomach and suppress its growth.(4)

Likewise, consuming cranberries could help to protect your oral health. The fruit’s antimicrobial properties may inhibit the development of tooth decay and gum disease.(5) However, further investigation is required to clarify this. Incidentally, we don't recommend using this cranberry cocktail as a mouthwash!

All of these plant compounds additionally work to support the health of the heart. Research suggests that consuming cranberries can have various benefits for our cardiovascular system. These include improving cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing stiffness in your blood vessels.(6) In turn, this reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

Finally, cranberries are a rich source of several key vitamins and minerals. That includes vitamins C, E and K, plus manganese and copper, all of which play vital roles in our wellbeing.

Our colorful cranberry cocktail recipe

Time for the fun part: how to craft your cocktail. Like all good cranberry cocktail recipes, this drink is easy to make and endlessly refreshing. Not to mention, its vibrant hue is sure to put a smile on your face!

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, start by popping the dried cranberries and orange juice into a blender. For maximum health benefits, we recommend using products that don’t have too much added sugar in your cranberry cocktail. Blend the mixture until it’s pureed, and then pour equal amounts into both serving glasses.

We suggest choosing clear glasses rather than opaque or colorful ones. That will allow you to admire the drink’s brilliant, rich shade of orange as you enjoy it!

Next, add a tablespoon of honey to each cranberry cocktail. You can of course swap this for another sweetener if you prefer, such as agave nectar or maple syrup. Likewise, feel free to adjust the amount you use to suit your palate. Then put two or three orange slices into both glasses for an eye-catching spot of texture.

Now it’s time to add a teaspoon of thyme water to each drink. Our not-so-secret ingredient brings a warm and earthy herbal note to the cranberry cocktail, with soothing undertones of mint. Plus, it offers several health benefits of its own, which we’ll discuss below.

Give the mix a gentle stir, then pop some ice cubes into each glass to ensure a cool and revitalizing drink. Finally, pour in the sparkling water, grab a straw, and your cranberry cocktail is complete. It’s best enjoyed straight away, while the water is still fizzy and the ice has not yet melted!

The health benefits of oranges

The cranberries might be the principal ingredient in this cranberry cocktail recipe, however the orange juice shouldn’t be overlooked. In addition to giving the drink a zesty citrus kick, it takes its nutritional value to the next level.

Most famously, oranges are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. Experts have linked diets high in vitamin C to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality.(7) As well as being an antioxidant, vitamin C is crucial for supporting the immune system and producing collagen. Collagen is critical for building connective tissue. As such, it’s a major component of everything from muscles and bones to skin and cartilage.

Oranges are additionally a good source of folate. The natural form of vitamin B9, this helps to make and repair DNA, produce red blood cells, and metabolize protein.

Speaking of heart disease, research indicates that consuming oranges can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.(8) Moreover, the flavonoids they contain – like hesperidin and naringenin – may reduce blood pressure and boost the function of blood vessels.(9)

These potent plant compounds also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Studies link chronic inflammation with several harmful health conditions, so this is another key benefit of adding orange to your cranberry cocktail. Thanks to the fruit’s high levels of citrates, it may even be useful in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

More generally, evidence suggests that a diet rich in citrus fruits could lower the risk of diabetes and certain cancers.(10) We’ll raise a glass of orange-infused cranberry cocktail to that!

Thyme water: the star of the show

The addition of thyme water is what makes this cranberry cocktail recipe truly unique. As mentioned above, it adds an earthy, herbal flavor and fragrance to the drink that’s beautifully fresh and soothing. But more than that, it also brings some extra health benefits to your glass.

Just like cranberries, thyme water contains powerful phenolic compounds which act as antioxidants. In addition, thyme offers antibacterial and antiviral properties. That gives you a great excuse to make this cranberry cocktail when you’re feeling under the weather!(11) There is additionally some evidence that the herb could soothe upset stomachs and support digestion. However, more research is necessary to confirm these specific benefits.

Because it’s naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, thyme water can also make an effective mouthwash and improve oral health. In addition, people have traditionally used thyme as a treatment for coughs and sore throats.(12) The plant contains a potent phytonutrient called thymol, which may help to ease muscle spasms and provide some pain relief.(13)

Many of these benefits make thyme water hugely beneficial for your skin too. Studies indicate it could work to purify your complexion and tackle symptoms of conditions such as acne.(14) Needless to say, for these particular results, you’d need to apply it topically rather than simply enjoy this cranberry cocktail!

Introducing our organic thyme water

We craft our organic thyme water using only the finest plants, ensuring each bottle is of the highest quality. They are sustainably grown on small, independent farms in the Provence region of France. Once ready, our team picks the leaves by hand and expertly distils them. We use approximately 1.5kg of thyme to make one litre of thyme water.

To minimize our impact on the planet, we ship out all our herbal water in environmentally friendly amber glass jars. Please help us by reusing or recycling them once they’re empty!

There are all sorts of delicious recipes to use thyme water in besides this cranberry cocktail. It pairs particularly well with calendula and echinacea, or you can add some to chamomile tea for an extra-relaxing drink. Of course, the simplest choice is to just stir a few teaspoons into sparkling water. Thyme’s fresh, earthy taste complements both sweet and savory dishes, so feel free to experiment!

If you want to use thyme water to level up your skincare routine, it’s best to apply it topically. To do so, you have a few options. For example, transfer it to a spray bottle and spritz some on after washing your face and before moisturizing. Alternatively, pour a little thyme water onto a cotton pad and wipe it gently over your complexion. Unlike essential oils, you don’t need to dilute herbal water.

Another method is to mix some thyme water into your existing lotions and creams. This gives them extra fragrance and cleansing power. You could even use it to make your own mouthwash and protect your dental health!

Finally, you can spray a burst of thyme water onto your furniture or bedding. This is a fabulous way to enjoy its scent and positive influence on your mood.

Top tips for enjoying our cranberry cocktail

We love the fresh and fruity taste of this cranberry cocktail. However, that doesn't mean there’s no room for customization! For example, try swapping the orange slices or juice for lemon or lime to give the drink a more nuanced citrus flavor. Similarly, you can always add some other varieties of dried fruit to the cranberries to mix things up. Sea buckthorn berries, blueberries, mulberries, and cherries are all great choices.

Another option is to make your cranberry cocktail a little more grown-up with the addition of alcohol. The vodka cranberry cocktail recipe is a classic, but you’re by no means limited to this. Simply add a shot of your favorite spirit, whether that’s creating a gin, rum, or bourbon cranberry cocktail.

Naturally, including ice cubes in your cranberry cocktail keeps you cool on hot days, but you can omit these if the temperature’s low. Just top the drink up with more sparkling water instead! You’re also able to use lemonade rather than sparkling water if you want extra sweetness. Alternatively, the addition of a sprig of thyme or fresh mint leaf to the glass helps draw out the flavor of the thyme water.

Whichever type of cranberry cocktail you choose, it’s easy to adjust the amount of it you make. Halve the recipe when you’re on your own, or scale it up and prepare a whole jug when friends visit. It’s guaranteed to be a popular one at garden parties, games nights, small gatherings and big celebrations!