How To Make Homemade Cranberry Juice | Easy Canning Recipe (2024)

Learn how to make this easy homemade cranberry juice recipe from just 3 ingredients including all of the goodness of fresh cranberries! This is real cranberry juice! Not the fake stuff or the co*cktail kind you find at the grocery store!

Did you know that you can make most store-bought juice from the fresh fruits you grow or buy at the farmers market? Making your own cranberry juice is not only good for you, but it saves you money in the long run!

Want to learn how to make apple juice too?! I made this super easyapple juice recipefrom the water and scraps from the apples after makingapple saucelast year!

Is Homemade Cranberry Juice Good For You?

Homemade cranberry juice can be a healthy and nutritious beverage, as long as it is prepared without an excessive amount of added sugar or other harmful ingredients. Below are some of the potential health benefits of homemade cranberry juice (health source):

1. Nutrient-Rich:Cranberries are a good source of vitamin E and vitamin C. Homemade cranberry juice retains many of these nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
2. Antioxidants:Cranberries are known for their high antioxidant content, particularly flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and may offer various health benefits such as helping your immune system.
3. Urinary Tract Health: Cranberry juice is often associated with promoting urinary tract health. It contains compounds that may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining.
4. Heart Health:The antioxidants in cranberries may support heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Cranberry juice may also improve cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
5. Weight Management:Homemade cranberry juice is low in calories and can be a good choice if you’re trying to manage your weight.

​Is Cranberry Juice Acidic?

Yes, cranberry juice is very acidic, but not in a bad way. This actually makes cranberry juice perfect for canning using the water bath canning method. Due to the high acidicy of cranberry juice, it is recommended to drink it in moderation, similar to many other juices we drink.

How Long Does Canned Cranberry Juice Last?

​Homemade canned cranberry juice can last up to 12-18 months when stored correctly.

1. Sealed Cans or Jars: When you can cranberry juice using a water bath canner, it can last for up to 1 year or more, depending on the canning method used and the quality of your sealing.
2. Unopened Containers: If the cans or jars remain sealed and have not been exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations or damage, they can typically be stored in a cool, dark place for at least 1 year, if not longer.
3. Opened Containers: Once a can or jar of cranberry juice is opened, it should be refrigerated and used within about 7-10 days. You can extend this slightly by transferring the juice to an airtight container to minimize exposure to air, which can degrade the quality and taste.
4. Check for Spoilage: Regardless of whether the container is sealed or open, always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. If you notice any unusual odors, off-colors, or mold growth, discard the juice.

Remember that the shelf life can vary depending on factors such as the quality of canning, the cleanliness of equipment, the storage conditions, and the specific recipe used. It’s crucial to follow a trusted canning recipe and guidelines from reliable sources to ensure food safety. If in doubt about the safety or quality of your homemade canned cranberry juice, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not consume it.

Regularly inspect your canned goods for any signs of bulging lids, broken seals, or other issues that could indicate spoilage. When in doubt, it’s safer to discard the product rather than risk consuming something that may be unsafe.

How to Use This Cranberry Juice Recipe

You can drink your homemade drink as is as a replacement for your store-bought cranberry juice. Another great idea is over the holiday season, make a holiday drink! Add a little bit of orange juice, ginger aie, and top it with a orange zest and ice cubes. Use the excess cranberries to make a delicious homemadecranberry sauce.

Ingredients To Make Homemade Cranberry Juice

This is an easy recipe so you just need three ingredients! I have canned cranberries two ways and this is the easiest way in my opinion. The only catch to this recipe is that you need to wait 4-6 weeks for the cranberries to fully infuse in the sealed jars BEFORE you an enjoy the taste of your homemade fresh cranberry juice.

Fresh Whole Cranberries:To make this healthy cranberry juice you will need to get a bag of cranberries from the grocery store, or 6 bags of cranberries like I did! A 12 oz bag of cranberries come out to 3 cups. So 6 bags would equal 18 cups of cranberries.

​White Sugar:This part is optional if you want unsweetened cranberry juice. Since the cranberry flavor is quite tart, we do like to add in some sugar to cut the tartness. You can add as much sugar or as little as you would like.

Water:This recipe called for 8 quarts of water which equals to 32 cups of water. You will also need water to fill your water bath canner to process, and to heat up your lids.

Lemon Juice:It is recommended to add at least 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to your quart jars (0.5 tsp for pints), if you are not including sugar. This ensures the acidity in the jars is safe enough for canning. I always add lemon juice to simple recipes such as mycanning tomato sauce recipe, andcanned diced tomatoes. The lemon juice does not change the flavor, it just acts as a safety barrier.

Supplies To Can Homemade Cranberry Juice

Canning homemade cranberry juice is a straightforward process, but it requires specific supplies to ensure the safety and preservation of the juice. Here’s a list of the essential supplies you’ll need for canning homemade cranberry juice.

Canning Jars:Choose clean, sterilized glass canning jars of the appropriate size for your batch. Common sizes include pint (16 oz) and quart (32 oz) jars. Ensure that there are no cracks or defects in the jars.

Canning Lids and Bands:You’ll need metal canning lids and screw bands to seal the jars. Use new lids for each canning session, as they are designed for single-use and create an airtight seal. The screw bands can be reused as long as they are in good condition.

Canning Equipment:You’ll need canning tools, including a jar lifter, lid lifter, and a wide-mouth funnel. These tools help with filling, sealing, and safely handling the hot jars.

Large Pot or Canner:You’ll need a large, deep pot or a water bath canner to process the jars. Make sure it is deep enough to cover the jars with at least 1-2 inches of water.

Lid Magnet or Tongs:These tools are useful for handling the canning lids, as they should be heated in simmering water to soften the sealing compound before use.

Additional Supplies:Timer, kitchen towels and hot pads.

How to Make Homemade Cranberry Juice

This pure cranberry juice recipe will make 8 quarts of cranberry juice and 16 pints.

1. Prepare Your Equipment:Ensure that your canning jars, lids, and bands are clean and sterilized. You can sterilize them over high heat in a stock pot, boiling them for about 10 minutes or using a dishwasher’s sterilize function.
2. Prepare Cranberries:Rinse fresh cranberries and remove any damaged or spoiled berries.
3. Heat Water: In a stock pot, heat up to 8 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
4. Pack Jars:In a clean jar, add 1 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries (quarts), or 1 cup (pints). If you’re using sugar, you can add a up to 1 cup of sugar over the cranberries.
5. Pour Water:Pour the hot water over the cranberries, making sure to leave 1/2 head space.
6. Remove Air Bubbles:Using a plastic spatula or bubble remover tool, remove all of the air bubbles from the glass jar. Let the cranberries sit in the hot water for 5-10 minutes, allowing the cranberries to absorb the hot water. If you see any water reduction within the jars after 10 minutes, add more water to reach the 1/2 headspace.
7. Wipe Jar Rims:Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean and free from any sugar or debris.
8. Apply Lids and Bands:Place a canning lid on each jar, then screw on the metal band until it’s fingertip tight. Don’t over-tighten.
9. Process Jars:Place the jars in a large pot or water bath canner filled with hot water. Ensure there’s enough water to cover the jars by about 1-2 inches. Bring the water to a boil.
10. Process Time:Once the water is at a full rolling boil, start the timer. Process the jars for 25-30 minutes. Processing times may vary depending on youraltitudeand the size of the jars.
11. Remove and Cool:After processing, carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and place them on a clean, dry towel or a cooling rack. Allow the jars to cool completely. You may hear the lids “pop” as they seal, which is a sign of a successful seal.
12. Check Seals:After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex and is concave, the jar is sealed. If it flexes, the jar did not seal, and you should refrigerate the fresh juice and use it within a few days.

Now, your homemade cranberry juice is safely canned and ready to be stored in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to enjoy it. Remember to label your jars with the content and date for reference!

More Canning Recipes:

• Homemade Spiced Apple Jelly Canning Recipe
• Complete Guide to Waterbath Canning at Home
• Homemade Apple Juice
• Canning Lemonade Concentrate