Cranberry simple syrup is typically made with just three ingredients: cranberries, water, and sugar. You can tailor it with optional spices or citrus for extra depth. Here are a few reliable, quick approaches you can try at home. Direct, simple cranberry syrup (classic)

• Ingredients: fresh or frozen cranberries, water, granulated sugar.
• Method: In a saucepan, combine equal parts cranberries, water, and sugar (for example, 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the cranberries soften and pop, about 10–15 minutes.
• Finish: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids. Let the syrup cool and transfer to a jar. Refrigerate up to 2–4 weeks.

Two-ingredient version (faster)

• Ingredients: cranberry juice (not cocktail mix) and sugar.
• Method: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup cranberry juice with 1 cup sugar. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes. Cool and bottle.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 weeks.

Spiced cranberry syrup (optional flavor boost)

• Ingredients: cranberry base (as above) plus optional spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, or orange zest.
• Method: Add 1 cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, or orange zest to the simmering cranberries and sugar. Remove spices and zest after simmering, strain, and store.
• Uses: Great in cocktails, coffee, sodas, and desserts.

Tips for best results

• Use fresh cranberries for brightest color and tartness; frozen berries work well too.
• Adjust sweetness by changing the sugar ratio: more sugar yields a thicker, sweeter syrup; less sugar yields a lighter, more tart syrup.
• For a lighter syrup, reduce the water slightly or increase the cranberry-to-water ratio after straining (you’ll concentrate flavor).
• To extend shelf life, store in a clean, airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator; you can also freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions.

Common uses

• Cocktails and mocktails: add 1–2 teaspoons per serving for a cranberry-forward sweetness.
• Coffee and tea: drizzle a small amount for natural flavor and color.
• Desserts: spoon over yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes for a fruity glaze.

If you’d like, share whether you want a basic three-ingredient version, a two- ingredient quicker version, or a spiced version, and whether you prefer a lighter, medium, or richer cranberry flavor.