• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Prepare + Nourish logo
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Drinks » Cranberry Juice Recipe (Instant Pot)

    Cranberry Juice Recipe (Instant Pot)

    Sep 10, 2020 · 41 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Slightly tart, with hints of cinnamon and sweetened with honey, this homemade Cranberry Juice recipe is simple and made in Instant Pot with very little hands on time needed.
    Juice in a glass with ice, mint and lemon slice with cranberries on a white flour sack
    This Cranberry Juice recipe has only 4 ingredients and requires very little hands on time. You can omit the lemon and cinnamon and use just the two main ingredients: cranberries and honey to sweeten. But I promise - it is just as simple as it sounds. 
     
    Whether you are looking for a festive drink to complete your holiday menu or are simply looking for a healthier alternative, this homemade cranberry juice fits the bill.  Skip the store bought juices often filled with added sugars and corn syrup and make your own - easily and effortlessly in the Instant Pot. 

    Cranberry Juice Recipe

    Cranberries are good for you year round not just during the holidays. So when they start showing up in stores and go on sale, I usually buy more than my current needs so I can restock my freezer to use the rest of the year. Cranberries freeze exceptionally well when properly stored. They can be frozen in home freezers for 8-12 months and still retain their quality flavor and texture.

    Homemade juice in half gallon mason jars ready to be served

    Converting Cranberry Juice to Hot Cranberry Cider

    Cranberry juice is pretty versatile in that it can be enjoyed year round, with minor tweaks to suit the seasonal changes.  Cranberry cider is great during the cooler months and ice Cranberry Juice over ice is ideal in the warmer months. You can even add a shot or two of vodka for a healthy cocktail.

    To make Cranberry Juice: follow instructions below and make sure it's completely chilled. You may add fresh mint, lemon slices, or even some frozen berries for a fun drink.

    To make Cranberry Cider: follow instructions below and but do dot chill. Add a dash of cinnamon, ground clove, or nutmeg. An orange slice for garnish completes this cranberry cider. Enjoy warm. 

    Hot cranberry cider in a mug with small mint leaf.

    Homemade Cranberry Juice with Lemon and Honey

    This healthy cranberry juice is sweetened with honey, a much better alternative than sugar. If you are new to the real food-clean eating world, eliminating white processed sugar is one of the easiest and simplest ways to start on that journey. There are so many better options available to sweeten your treats, you can read more about them in the post Alternative Natural Sweeteners. One of our favorites is undoubtedly honey. It's rich in minerals and nutrients and we use it often in homemade drinks, various desserts and even marshmallows.

    To get the maximum benefits of raw honey, wait for the cranberry juice to cool slightly so as not to destroy the beneficial enzymes and nutrients. Generally, anything over 96 degrees Fahrenheit would change the honey's structure. But even if used in cider, honey is still much better than regular sugar.

    Alternatively, you may use other mineral rich sweeteners that are not destroyed by heat such as maple syrup or coconut sugar. 


    In addition to honey, lemon is added to bring out more cranberry flavor and add more vitamin C to the mix. You can omit lemon if you feel the cranberry juice would be too tart for your tastebuds. 

    Instructions how to make cranberry juice in the instant pot in under 8 minutes.

    Making Juice in the Instant Pot

    Making this in your electric pressure cooker frees your stove for other delicious recipes and this is especially important during the busy holiday season.
     
    I prefer to use my Instant Pot so I don't have to babysit it. Some Instant Pot models have the option of turning off the "Keep Warm" function once cooking has completed. If your Instant Pot has that, this would be a good time to use it if you want this chilled.  This is the Instant Pot model I currently have.

    Note: You can test that by pressing "Keep Warm/Cancel" button and if the light toggles off and on, you can disable the "Keep Warm" function and instead it will "cancel" automatically. As mentioned, not all Instant Pots have this ability, so either check your user manual or press the "Keep Warm/Cancel" button twice to check.

    For this recipe, you don't want the Instant Pot to continue to keep warm (unless making it as cider). Alternatively, you can also simply press "Cancel" once the cooking time has concluded.

    Helpful Tip to Save Time

    Cooking liquids in the pressure cooker can be time-consuming because of the time it takes to build up pressure. The more liquid, the more time is needed to pressurize then the then the actual cooking time begins. For this reason, I prefer to add only ½ gallon of water for the cooking time. I add the remaining water after it's strained. Doing it this way also kickstarts the cooling process.

    Healthy cranberry juice in a glass with ice and lemon slice

    Making Juice on Stovetop

    If you don't have a pressure cooker or want to use the stovetop for whatever reason - the recipe is still just as simple. Toss everything in a medium stock pot and bring to a rolling boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes. Carefully strain and then proceed with the rest of the instructions in the recipe card. 

    Homemade Cranberry Juice Recipe

    glass and mug of cranberry juice, iced and hot respectively

    Cranberry Juice Recipe

    Anya @ Prepare & Nourish
    This festive drink can be made in the Instant Pot and enjoyed hot or iced. 
    4.77 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Pressure Time 40 mins
    Total Time 53 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 45 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups fresh cranberries
    • 1 cinnamon stick optional
    • 1 gallon filtered water divided
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • ½ to 1 cup raw honey

    Instructions
     

    • Add cranberries, cinnamon and ½ gallon of filtered water to pressure cooker inner pot.
    • Close lid and set to sealing position.
    • Press "Manual" and reduce time to 8 minutes.
    • After cooking time has concluded, turn off Instant Pot by pressing "Cancel" and allow to naturally release pressure.
    • When safe to do so (check for safety valve to be down), carefully open lid and remove inner pot. Set it on a cooling rack or another safe surface to cool. 
    • Once cooled enough to handle, strain to remove cranberry pulp and cinnamon stick.
    • Add remaining water and continue to cool juice before adding lemon and honey. Or sweeten now and enjoy as a hot cider.
    • When juice has cooled considerably, add freshly squeezed lemon juice and raw honey. Stir well. 
    • Enjoy slightly warm as a cider or iced as juice. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 months. 

    Video

    Notes

    | Nutritional Information Disclaimer | 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Nutrition Information
    The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
    Keyword 5 ingredients, budget friendly, Dairy-free, GAPS, kid friendly,, Nut-free, one-pot/pan, paleo, pressure cooker,, primal, quick & easy,
    ©Prepare and Nourish • Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated but please do NOT screenshot or copy/paste complete recipes to websites or social media.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Mention @prepareandnourish and be sure to tag #prepareandnourish!

    If you liked the recipe above, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below. Also, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

    Need More Holiday Inspiration?

    Savory Sliced Apple Appetizers (GAPS, Primal)
    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon (Whole30, Paleo)
    Nourishing Hot Cocoa with Honey-Sweetened Marshmallows (Paleo)
    Gluten-Free French Crepes Recipe (with Cassava Flour)

    >>> Pin This<<<

    Instant Pot Cranberry juice picture with text

    This post was originally published December 2017 but has since been updated to include helpful information.

    Related posts:

    Instant Pot Ribs (Keto, Paleo, Whole30) -These Instant Pot Ribs are so delicious, flavorful, tender and best of all easy to make with only 5 ingredients and 30 minutes cook time! Pair with your favorite roasted vegetable for an easy weeknight dinner! #instantpot #spareribsInstant Pot Ribs Recipe (Paleo, Keto, Whole30) How to Make Homemade Tomato Juice from Tomato Paste -Did you know you can easily make tomato juice out of tomato paste?  This easy homemade tomato juice recipe calls for sea salt and healthy fats for better nutrient absorption. It's naturally Paleo, Whole30, and GAPS compliant. #tomatojuice #homemade #paleoHow To Make Tomato Juice turkey chili with avocado and cilantro in white bowl and with blue napkin on side.Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili Mango & Cream Gummy Candies - Trader Joe's Copycat!! Mango and Cream Gummies are a gut-healing, refined sugar-free, and an overall healthy treat that your whole family will love. It's a simple Paleo and GAPS candy that takes 20 minutes to make. #paleotreats #copycatMango and Cream Gummy Recipe - Trader Joe's Copy Cat (Paleo, GAPS, Low Carb)
    « How to Make and Freeze Hash Browns
    Cajun Sweet Potato Fries (Whole30) »
    • Facebook
    • Email

    About Anya

    Sharing wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods since 2014. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sally says

      December 09, 2017 at 7:52 pm

      I don't have an instant pot. Could you please give me slow cooker and stove-top instructions.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 10, 2017 at 1:36 pm

        For slow-cooker: toss cranberries, water and cinnamon and cook for 6-8 hours on low. Then proceed with the rest of recipe. For stove-top: bring cranberries, water and cinnamon to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and slightly simmer for about 15 minutes for all cranberries to cook down, then proceed with rest of recipe. Enjoy!! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sarah says

      December 10, 2017 at 8:38 am

      Made this today! We've been drinking it warm since it's been snowing all day and it's soo good! My husband keeps saying how much he enjoys it so I think it's safe to say we'll be making it again soon. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 10, 2017 at 1:33 pm

        Awesome to hear, Sarah! Thanks for the sweet comment.

        Reply
        • Jade says

          December 24, 2020 at 12:33 pm

          I found the ratios to be WAY off here. 4 cups of cranberries to a gallon of water made a very thin, flat, diluted liquid. Disappointing!! I wish I had only used a small amount of water (like 4 cups) then I could have added more after the fact to dilute as needed.

          Reply
          • Anya says

            January 05, 2021 at 9:37 am

            Thank you for your feedback.

            Reply
    3. Joni Gomes says

      October 22, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      Wow so easy to make and that color is gorgeous! I have all of the ingredients right now. Will give it a try!

      Reply
    4. ChihYu Smith says

      October 22, 2018 at 6:21 pm

      Wow ! This cranberry juice looks so good ! It will go well with many holiday dishes for sure!

      Reply
    5. Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says

      October 23, 2018 at 9:53 am

      What a festive and oh so pretty holiday drink, and I love that it's made in the Instant Pot!

      Reply
    6. Tessa Simpson says

      October 23, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      I am so impressed by this!! I have some fresh cranberries that need to used, will give this a try! Yum!

      Reply
    7. Hope says

      October 23, 2018 at 5:12 pm

      This looks so fresh and colourful - great for the festive season! Love the tips about heating raw honey 🙂

      Reply
    8. linda spiker says

      October 24, 2018 at 8:43 pm

      I love this for the holidays! We don't drink so we always appreciate a festive drink for parties!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        October 24, 2018 at 9:56 pm

        This is one of our favorites! And so easy.

        Reply
    9. STACEY CRAWFORD says

      October 25, 2018 at 7:49 am

      Oh wow, I love that this can be made in the IP and uses honey! Great idea 🙂

      Reply
    10. Megan Stevens says

      October 25, 2018 at 12:28 pm

      I love the idea of presenting this for the holidays!! My family and extended family will so appreciate it, and it's a beautiful addition to such a pretty holiday time!

      Reply
    11. Elaina says

      October 27, 2018 at 11:17 am

      This would be SO yummy as a festive warm beverage in lieu of apple cider (too sweet for me on its own). And it'd be extra good with splash or two of good whiskey for the adults. 😉

      Reply
      • Anya says

        October 27, 2018 at 8:15 pm

        Sounds like a plan. Apple cider is too sweet for my liking but this is perfect because the sweetness can be controlled. Thanks Elaina.

        Reply
    12. jennifer says

      October 27, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      what a great holiday drink idea! I love the color and that it can be made in an Instant Pot!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        October 27, 2018 at 8:15 pm

        Thank you Jennifer! The color is beautiful.

        Reply
    13. Astrid says

      October 27, 2018 at 10:18 pm

      Wow that's brilliant! Never thought of making my own cranberry juice in the instant pot. Will be trying this soon because I add cranberry juice to my morning detox drink, but can't find a low sugar version. This is way better than the organic store option.
      Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        October 28, 2018 at 8:44 pm

        Yes - and you can control how much sweetener you use. Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    14. Catherine Baez Sholl says

      October 28, 2018 at 1:19 am

      I can definitely see myself having this delicious drink cold and hot. Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        October 28, 2018 at 8:43 pm

        Hope you get to try it Catherine!

        Reply
    15. Alena says

      December 11, 2020 at 11:08 am

      Looks fresh and delicious! Can you use dried cranberries and powdered cinnamon for substitution?
      Much thanks!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        December 14, 2020 at 6:57 pm

        Hi Alena,
        I have not tried with dried cranberries but please let us know if it works out for you. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Maria says

      January 01, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      Why do you have yo boil cranberries? I read in another site to put them in a blender strain them and drink it, I did and is delicious like lemonade.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        January 05, 2021 at 9:33 am

        Sure Maria - you are welcome to do that too. This is a completely different recipe from what you are referring to.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there!

    Anya at a farm

    Welcome to Prepare + Nourish!

    I'm Anya and it is my joy to share wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

    More about me →

    Looking for something?

    Trending Recipes

    • Easy Coconut Flour Banana Muffins Recipe
    • Chicken Potato Bake
    • Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe
    • Best Taco Meat Recipe
    • Gluten-Free French Crêpes Recipe (with Cassava Flour)
    • How to Make and Freeze Hash Browns
    • Home
    • About Me
    • Healthy Basics
    • Natural Living
    • Recipes
    • Policies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Me

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    Sign up for emails and updates!

    Social

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Youtube

    Copyright © 2021 Prepare + Nourish

    • Save
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook