Easy Cranberry Ice Recipe: Sweet, Tangy, and Frosty

If you’ve never had Cranberry Ice before, you’re in for a frosty surprise! This old-fashioned dish is more than just a pretty scoop it’s a bright, tangy, and sweet frozen treat that refreshes your taste buds between heavy holiday courses. I remember my grandmother always serving this alongside the Thanksgiving turkey or between dinner and dessert. It’s perfect for balancing all the rich dishes with its citrusy zip and icy texture. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make ahead and serve right from the freezer.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Ice

Cranberry Ice is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, giving your palate a refreshing reset. Whether you serve it as a light side dish, a holiday palate cleanser, or a fun dessert for the kids, it’s a simple recipe that adds elegance and nostalgia to any meal. It’s freezer-friendly, easy to make in advance, and a unique twist that guests always remember.

Yield and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

What is Needed

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cranberries have popped and softened.
2. Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove skins and seeds, pressing with a spoon to extract all the juice.
4. Stir in the orange juice and lemon juice until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
6. To serve, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop and serve chilled.

Top Tips

• Use fresh cranberries if possible they offer the brightest flavor and best texture.
• Don’t skip straining; it ensures the final ice is smooth and creamy.
• Make it ahead of time and store in the freezer for up to a week.
• Let it sit a few minutes before serving so it scoops easily.
• Kids love this dish as a fun fruity “dessert” try serving it in fancy little cups!

Recipe Variations

• Add a splash of cranberry juice for an extra fruity punch
• Mix in chopped mint for a fresh twist
• Substitute lime juice for lemon for a different citrus flavor
• Stir in a little honey for a deeper sweetness

Recommended Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh sieve
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Freezer-safe container
• Ice cream scoop

Make Ahead Tips

You can make cranberry ice up to 1 week in advance. Just store in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve.

How to Store and Reheat

Store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 1 week. No need to reheat just let it soften at room temperature before scooping.

What To Serve With This Recipe

• Roasted turkey or ham
• Rich casseroles like sweet potatoes or green beans
• Holiday stuffing or dressing
• A cheese board with sharp cheeses to complement the sweet-tart flavor

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Cranberry Ice has roots in early American holiday traditions, often served between courses in fancy dinners to “cleanse the palate.” Though it’s fallen out of modern menus, it’s still a gem of a recipe that brings a touch of elegance and fun. Its bright flavor and refreshing chill offer a welcome break from heavier holiday dishes. Plus, it’s a fun way to get kids to enjoy cranberries in a form they’ll actually ask for seconds of!

Check out my fall dessert recipes.

More Christmas Recipes

Try these you will love them!

Cranberry Ice

Michelle

A frozen cranberry treat that’s both sweet and tangy, perfect as a holiday side dish or refreshing palate cleanser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Servings 6

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh sieve
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Freezer-safe container
• Ice cream scoop

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cranberries have popped and softened.
• Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
• Strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove skins and seeds, pressing with a spoon to extract all the juice.
• Stir in the orange juice and lemon juice until well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
• To serve, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, use fresh cranberries and juice. Straining the purée ensures the smoothest texture. Serve semi-frozen for easy scooping.

Keyword Cranberry Ice

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