Description
Canning Cranberry Juice Without Sugar is the perfect way to preserve the crisp, tangy flavor of fresh cranberries all year long. This easy, two-ingredient recipe creates a pure, ruby-red juice that’s naturally tart, antioxidant-rich, and free from refined sugars or additives. It’s simple to make, shelf-stable for over a year, and makes a beautiful homemade Christmas gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
- 4 quarts water (divided, for boiling and dilution)
- Optional for a milder flavor: ¼ cup natural sweetener (like honey or stevia) per quart after canning
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberries: Rinse cranberries well, discarding stems and soft berries. Add to a large stockpot and pour in enough water to cover completely.
- Simmer until soft: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until cranberries pop and release color and flavor.
- Strain the juice: Pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press gently to extract liquid but avoid cloudiness.
- Reheat and prepare jars: Return juice to the pot and heat just below boiling. Ladle into sterilized mason jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims and apply lids fingertip-tight.
- Process in a water bath: Place jars in boiling water bath and process for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude). Remove carefully and cool on a towel-lined surface until sealed.
- Cool and store: Listen for the “pop” to confirm sealing. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months.
Notes
- For stronger flavor, simmer juice longer to make a cranberry concentrate before canning.
- Do not sweeten before canning — add natural sweeteners when serving if desired.
- Always sterilize jars and process for full time to ensure safety.
- Use leftover cranberry pulp for sauces, chutneys, or baking.
- Store sealed jars at room temperature; refrigerate after opening and consume within 7–10 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Canning, Holiday Gifts
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Canning Cranberry Juice, No Sugar Cranberry Juice, Homemade Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Healthy Canning Recipes, Christmas Canning Ideas, Natural Cranberry Juice, Sugar Free Cranberry Juice, Holiday Gift Recipes