Cranberry-Infused Water
A vibrant, ruby-red infused water that's naturally tart and refreshingly light. Fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and a hint of rosemary steep together in cold water, creating a beautiful spa-like drink with zero added sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive everyday hydration boost.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Prepare the fruit and herbs.
1.Rinse cranberries and slice each one in half.2.Thinly slice half an orange into rounds, then cut rounds into half-moons.3.Lightly bruise the rosemary sprigs by rolling them between your palms or gently pressing with the back of a wooden spoon to release their oils. - mix · ~1 min
Muddle the cranberries and rosemary in the pitcher.
1.Place halved cranberries and bruised rosemary sprigs into the pitcher.2.Using a wooden spoon, gently muddle them against the bottom and sides for about 30 seconds until the cranberries release some juice.3.The mixture will look slightly crushed and aromatic.TIPDon't over-muddle the rosemary—it should be fragrant but not broken into tiny pieces that float and stick in your teeth. - mix · ~1 min
Add orange slices and water.
1.Add the orange half-moon slices to the pitcher.2.Pour in the cold filtered water.3.Stir everything together gently with the wooden spoon. - rest · ~120 min
Steep in the refrigerator.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor and color will be.
- serve
Serve over ice.
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the infused water through a small strainer if desired to catch any seeds, and serve immediately. Garnish each glass with an extra cranberry or rosemary sprig if you like.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Halve the cranberries before muddling to release more tart juice and color.
- 2Bruise rosemary gently to release oils without breaking it into tiny floaters.
- 3Steep for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the deepest ruby hue and flavor.
- 4Strain through a fine-mesh sieve when pouring if you prefer a seed-free drink.
- 5Make a large batch and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days for quick refills.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy ginger
Add 4-6 thin slices of fresh ginger along with the orange for a warming, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
sweet berry blendSweet berry blend
Replace half the cranberries with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a sweeter, fruitier infusion with a deeper berry flavor profile.
herb swap: thyme or mintHerb swap: thyme or mint
Substitute rosemary with 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme or mint for a completely different aromatic character—thyme adds earthiness, mint adds cool freshness.
frozen fruit shortcutFrozen fruit shortcut
Use frozen cranberries (thawed slightly) and frozen orange slices to skip prep, perfect for a quick last-minute batch with the same bright flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cranberries are packed with polyphenols and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and support immune health.
Zero Added Sugar
This infused water gets its natural tartness from whole fruit and herbs, making it a hydrating alternative to sugary drinks.
Hydrating with a Flavor Boost
The combination of water and fruit encourages increased fluid intake without artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, frozen cranberries work well—just thaw them slightly and halve them before muddling to release their juice and color.
