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Frosted Cranberries (My Favorite Holiday Drink Garnish!)

Frosted Cranberries (My Favorite Holiday Drink Garnish!)

by Ashley Culotta in KISS Cooking | Recipes By Ashley

The easiest way to make any holiday cocktail look instantly festive.

If you’ve ever seen those gorgeous, sparkly cranberries on top of a Christmas cocktail and thought, okay… how do people make those? — this is for you. I’ve been making these Frosted Cranberries for years, and they are truly the cutest little touch to add to any holiday drink, cheese board, or dessert.

They look fancy, but they are honestly the easiest thing ever. I scribbled this recipe down ages ago (it’s still on a wrinkled note in my kitchen drawer), and I pull it out every December when I’m in full holly-jolly hosting mode. They’re sweet, tart, sparkly, and so fun.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

  • ¾ cup water

  • 1 ¼ cup sugar (divided)

How I Make Them

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the water and 1 cup of the sugar to a simmer, whisking until the sugar dissolves completely.

  2. Remove from heat.

  3. Pour the warm syrup over the cranberries in a bowl. Cover and let them sit for 15–20 minutes.

  4. Line a sheet pan with parchment.

  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to the parchment and let them dry for about 1 hour.

  6. Once they’re tacky and no longer wet, toss them in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar to give them that frosted, glittery look.

  7. Return them to the sheet to finish drying.

Ashley’s Hosting Tips

  • These are so cute on cocktail picks for holiday drinks.

  • Add them to a charcuterie board for an easy pop of Christmas sparkle.

  • They store well! Keep them uncovered at room temp for a day or two.

  • If you want extra sparkle, toss them in sugar twice. (I always do.)

These are truly one of my favorite holiday touches — so simple but they make everything feel more magical. If you make them, tag me so I can see your sparkly drink moment! 💋✨🎄

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