Instant Pot Cranberry Moonshine
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. Sparkles to Sprinkles and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
If you’re looking for a festive and fun way to spice up your gatherings this holiday season, look no further than this Instant Pot cranberry moonshine! It’s a delightful concoction that captures the tangy flavor of cranberries, perfectly complemented by warming spices. This easy recipe combines cranberry juice cocktail with fresh cranberries and just the right amount of sugar and cinnamon, all whipped up in your trusty Instant Pot. Whether you’re making this for a holiday party or just to enjoy at home, it’s bound to impress friends and family alike.
Instant Pot Cranberry Moonshine
The process is simple and satisfying, as you watch the ingredients transform into a deliciously potent drink. After a quick sauté to dissolve the sugars and infuse the flavors, you’ll let the mixture simmer under high pressure, allowing the cranberries and spices to work their magic. Once cooled, it’s just a matter of straining and bottling this vibrant beverage into your mason jars, making it perfect for gift-giving or for enjoying yourself. Just imagine serving this eye-catching moonshine alongside some festive snacks during your holiday celebrations!
If you love the tartness of cranberries, you’ll definitely want to pair your moonshine with a delicious Cranberry Snack Cake. This moist, flavorful treat makes the perfect companion to your homemade cranberry moonshine, adding a sweet and satisfying touch to your holiday spread. So get ready to impress your guests and indulge in this delightful combination that will surely make your celebrations even more special!
What You Will Love About This Recipe
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Festive Flavor: The combination of cranberry juice and fresh cranberries creates a deliciously tart and sweet flavor profile that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
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Simplicity: The Instant Pot makes the process incredibly easy and efficient. With minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this festive drink without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Versatility: This moonshine is perfect for gifting or serving at parties. It can be enjoyed straight, mixed into cocktails, or even used as a fun addition to holiday recipes, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
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Customizable: The recipe allows for personal touches, such as adjusting the sweetness or adding additional spices, catering to individual taste preferences.
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Eye-Catching Presentation: Bottling the moonshine in mason jars adds a charming and rustic touch, making it an attractive gift option or a beautiful addition to your holiday table.
Tips & Tricks
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Chill the Ingredients: For the best flavor, chill your cranberry juice and fresh cranberries before starting. This helps to enhance the overall refreshing taste of the moonshine.
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Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a burst of flavor and color. If they’re unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to let them thaw before use.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet moonshine, start with less sugar and adjust to taste after cooking. You can always add more sugar later, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
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Experiment with Spices: While the recipe calls for cinnamon sticks, feel free to experiment with other spices like star anise, cloves, or even a splash of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
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Cool Completely Before Adding Alcohol: It’s crucial to let the mixture cool completely before adding the Everclear. Adding alcohol to a hot mixture can alter its flavor and potency.
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Strain Thoroughly: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture well. This ensures a smooth moonshine without any floating bits of cranberry or cinnamon.
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Garnish for Presentation: When serving, consider adding fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick to each glass for a festive touch. It adds to the presentation and makes the drink even more inviting.
Looking for more Instant Pot Moonshine Recipes
- Lemon Drop Moonshine | This Instant Pot lemon drop moonshine is such a tart and sweet recipe. This lemon drop reminds me of hard lemonade.
- Peach Pie Moonshine | Love peaches? If you say yes, this one is a must make. You get the incredible peach flavor in every single sip!
- Cherry Pie Moonshine | Sweet cherry pie, is what I call this. Pair with Dr. Pepper or Coke for one tasty stiff drink that all your friends will enjoy.
How Long Will Cranberry Moonshine Store For
If you have it sealed in an airtight jar it can last up to two years if you have it properly stored. Then with an open container, it can store up to 6 months in the fridge.
When Do You Add In Everclear To Moonshine
You don’t add in the Everclear until your cranberry mixture is fully cooked and cooled. It is imperative that your cranberry liquid is cool or you could run into a major problem and it makes it unsafe. Take the time and allow your jars to fully cool.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of Everclear?
While Everclear provides a high alcohol content, you can use other spirits like vodka or white rum. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of your moonshine.
2. Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply omit the Everclear at the end of the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious cranberry juice drink that everyone can enjoy.
3. Is it safe to make moonshine at home?
This recipe is for a flavored alcoholic drink and does not involve distillation. As long as you’re following the instructions and using commercially available alcohol, it’s perfectly safe to make at home.
4. What can I do with leftover cranberries after making the moonshine?
After straining, you can use the leftover cranberries in baked goods, smoothies, or even as a garnish for cocktails. They add a nice touch to desserts!
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you have a larger Instant Pot or multiple pots, you can double the ingredients. Just make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line in your pot.
6. What’s the best way to serve cranberry moonshine?
Serve it chilled in a glass with ice, garnished with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. It pairs wonderfully with holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
7. Can I make this moonshine in advance?
Yes! In fact, making it a few days in advance allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to chill it before serving.
Instant Pot Cranberry Moonshine
Ingredients
- 10-12 Pint Mason Jars (sterilized)
- 128 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- 1 Pound Fresh Cranberries
- 2 cups White Sugar
- 20 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 1/4 cups Everclear (Grain Alcohol) *
Instructions
- Pour cranberry juice into your pot.
- Add in the cranberries
- Add in the white sugar.
- Add in 6-7 Cinnamon Sticks
- Turn on Saute feature to start warming the mixture.
- Once sugars are all dissolved, cover the pot and turn to sealing.
- Set your pot to manual high pressure for 45 minutes. Do a natural release
- Let mixture cool completely (DO NOT PROCEED WITH ANY STEPS UNTIL MIXTURE IS ROOM TEMPERATURE TO COOL)
- Add in Everclear
- Remove cinnamon sticks that were used for cooking.
- Pour moonshine over a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain all the cranberries.
- Fill a mason jar (also not a hot one, if you have sterilized it allow it to cool completely) with moonshine and drop one cinnamon stick in.
- Close the lid tightly
- Put pretty ribbon on and give the gift of love this year.
- Serve with a few fresh cranberries in a glass.
Notes
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. Sparkles to Sprinkles and it's authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
60Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 0g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Are you using cranberry cocktail juice? Or straight cranberry juice?
Cocktail. i am so sorry. updating the recipe now 🙂
There IS a big difference in cranberry juice and the cranberry juice cocktail, which are you suggesting we used??? TIA
Cocktail. i am so sorry. updating the recipe now 🙂
Is this cranberry cocktail juice or straight cranberry juice? Thanks Because there Is a big difference
Cocktail. i am so sorry. updating the recipe now 🙂
Is that unsweetened cranberry juice (aka 100% cran juice)? Or sweetened?
Cocktail…so sorry.. updating the recipe now 🙂
Help! What can I substitute for Everclear? Thanks in advance.
Vodka will work great. You can even use a flavored vodka to give a tiny bit different flavor spin. You just may want to add a bit more vodka than everclear.
@Melissa, How much more vodka do you suggest?
Which is your favorite flavor to make and consume?
I would do as much everclear and then give it a taste. If it’s not over powering with vodka taste, you can add some more. Any of the nice berry flavors, they make a cranberry flavored one and vanilla might be nice too.
How do you serve this, just over ice, with a mixer???
Just over ice is all you need
Does this need to be refrigerated?
No just store on a dark cool shelf
When you pour over the strainer what are you pouring into? Will that mess with the sterilization?
Since these have everclear you won’t be able to can them and get a seal on the lids but the everclear leads to a very long shelf life
What size intapot
I used my 8 qt for this
You can half the recipe for a smaller pot
@Melissa, Do you change the cooking time if you cut the recipe in half?
No keep the times the same
I have a 3qt instant pot if I want to half the recipe and cook it in that would the cook time be the same?
Yes the cook time will be the same. Enjoy!
Just made it, and it smells heavenly. Do we drink this room temp, over ice? Never had something like this before.
Enjoy it over ice
Where do you buy that many cinnamon sticks without spending a fortune?
Oh I haven’t checked this year the pricing, I had previously stocked up. But I normally just got my supermarket brand.
why do you place a cinnamon stick in the moonshine? does the moonshine after storing have a strong cinnamon flavor instead of cranberry. thank you
Definitely personal preference, you can omit if you like
Hello,
Does this need to be refrigerated when done?
If you have it sealed in an airtight jar it can last up to two years if you have it properly stored. Then with an open container, it can store up to 6 months in the fridge.
Curious…I couldn’t find cinnamon sticks anywhere (small town). Can I use ground since it is strained thru cheesecloth?
You sure can
Hi Melissa, this looks delicious! I didn’t see it mentioned, but with a lot of moonshine recipes, you need to leave for 2 weeks or more. Can you drink this straight away, or do you need to leave it for a bit?
You can drink this straight away. I hope you love it.