I first made cranberry vodka as a result of desperation one Christmas day evening.
A few years back I somehow had not managed to pick any sloes and there was not a drop of sloe gin in the house at Christmas time.   I had the brainwave of adding the remains of the (homemade) cranberry sauce to half a bottle of gin and giving it a good shake.  Very good it was too.
This Christmas vodka, uses cranberries, oranges and warming winter spices of cinnamon, cloves and a hint of star anise.
So without further ado the recipe!

A spiced Christmas vodka. The perfect starting point for a seasonal cocktail!
- 200 g cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange wide strips
- 2 cm cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2 segments of a star anise
- 4 oz sugar
- 450 ml vodka
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Place the solid ingredients into a clear bottle and top up with vodka. Shake daily until the sugar is dissolved.
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Leave for a good few weeks before drinking, the longer the better as the drink will become smoother with time.
bakingaddict
Looks very festive indeed. I’m sure the recipient was very happy :)
Helen
The recipient was the overall winner, so I feel very nervous!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
Lovely picture – I didn’t take that! Who did? (or did you do it before I swiped your battery?!)
Helen
I took it. Before the battery swipe!
Vanessa Kimbell
Yes what a fab photo!!
Helen
Thnks, although I feel my focus is a bit off.
Sally - My Custard Pie
I always feel deprived when everyone’s making sloe gin….cranberry vodka is a great alternative.
Helen
Well – you need to visit in October and fly home with lots Sally!
Jane English
Any ideas on what to use instead of the orange. I’m allergic to them so it woiiuldn’t be the alcohol that makes me look worse for wear LOL.
Would love to try to make some of these for gifts next Chriistmas – did I really just say that!!! Mind you with five kids I’ve already started buying lol. But my apologies for mentioning the C word in January.
Kirstin Lydon
I bet this festive boozy drink would warm me up on a cold winter’s night. My friends make their own plum vodka and give it away as Christmas presents.