This cranberry orange mulled tea makes a wonderful winter warmer!
Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, water, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a saucepan and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Then stir in honey until dissolved and strain before serving.
Garnishing with orange slices and cranberries adds a festive touch.
The recipe can be customized with different juices or even rum for an adult version.
The secret to proper storage will be revealed next!
Ingredients
Additionally, this tea can be enjoyed with a creamy tomato orzo soup as a comforting pairing.
Recommended Tools
Making Cranberry Orange Mulled Tea becomes a breeze when you have the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will help you simmer, strain and serve this warming beverage with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- Medium Saucepan:
The perfect vessel for simmering your tea mixture and allowing the flavors to blend properly for 15-20 minutes.
- Fine Mesh Strainer:
Essential for removing the whole spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving your mulled tea.
- Liquid Measuring Cups:
Helps you accurately measure the water, cranberry juice and orange juice for perfectly balanced flavor.
- Honey Dipper:
Makes adding and stirring honey into your warm tea mixture clean and easy without sticky measuring spoons.
- Citrus Juicer:
Handy for extracting fresh orange juice that gives your mulled tea its bright, tangy flavor.
- Heat-Resistant Mugs:
Perfect for serving your warm mulled tea with those beautiful orange slice and cranberry garnishes.
Having the right meal prep supplies can enhance your cooking experience, making it easier to create delicious beverages like this one.</p
Instructions for Cranberry Orange Mulled Tea
Let’s brew up some cozy comfort in a mug! This Cranberry Orange Mulled Tea is super simple to make and will fill your home with the most amazing aroma.
First, grab a medium saucepan and combine 4 cups of water, 1 cup of cranberry juice, and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Toss in 2 cinnamon sticks and 6 whole cloves for that wonderful spicy kick!
Bring this fruity mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Don’t let it boil—we want those flavors to mingle slowly! Let everything bubble away for about 15-20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
Now for the sweet touch—stir in 1/4 cup of honey until it completely dissolves into the warm tea. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberry.
Time to strain out those spices! Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a serving pitcher or directly into mugs if you’re ready to serve.
For that Instagram-worthy finish, float a few orange slices and cranberries on top of each mug. Not only does this look stunning, but it adds an extra pop of flavor with every sip!
Serve this warming treat while it’s still hot—it’s the perfect companion for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe! Additionally, this tea pairs wonderfully with zesty lemon garlic orzo soup, making it a perfect meal for a cozy day.
Pro Tips
For a stronger aromatic profile in your Cranberry Orange Mulled Tea, lightly crush the cinnamon sticks and cloves before adding them to the simmering liquid.
This simple step releases more of the essential oils from the spices, creating a more robust and fragrant tea without adding extra ingredients. Additionally, serving this tea alongside quick and healthy breakfast options can enhance your morning routine by providing a nutritious start to your day.</p
Substitutions & Variations
A few simple swaps can transform this classic mulled tea into something surprising while maintaining its warm and comforting essence.
- Berry Blast: Replace cranberry juice with mixed berry juice and add a handful of frozen mixed berries for a more complex fruit profile.
- Tropical Twist: Substitute pineapple juice for cranberry juice and add a touch of coconut milk for a creamy winter-meets-summer fusion.
- Spice It Up: Add star anise, cardamom pods and fresh ginger slices to the original spice mix for a more complex aromatic experience.
- Chai-Inspired: Use strong black tea as the base liquid instead of water and include cardamom, ginger and black peppercorns in the spice mix.
- Adult Version: Add 1/4 cup of spiced rum or brandy after straining for a warming cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Caffeine Kick: Brew 4 cups of orange pekoe tea instead of using water for an energizing variation that still offers the same fruity comfort.
- For an even cozier experience, consider pairing this tea with creamy pumpkin soup for a delightful warming meal.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
While your cranberry orange mulled tea tastes best when enjoyed fresh and warm, I’ve found that storing any leftovers properly can give you delightful ready-made comfort for days to come.
Store your tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready for more, just reheat gently on the stove—never microwave it!
The flavors actually deepen overnight.
Tonight – Perfect Winter Warmer
Cranberry Orange Mulled Tea
A warm, comforting mulled tea with cranberry and orange flavors, perfect for winter evenings.
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/4 cup honey
- Orange slices and cranberries for garnish
- Combine water, cranberry juice, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a saucepan; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stir in honey until dissolved.
- Strain to remove spices.
- Pour into mugs and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
