Cranberry-Anise Bitters Recipe

Name: Cranberry-Anise Bitters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups high-proof vodka (like Stolichnaya Blue 100 Proof); 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, each one pierced with a toothpick; 1 cup dried cranberries; 2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger; 2 star anise pods; One 3-inch cinnamon stick; One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick; 1 teaspoon gentian root; 1/2 teaspoon white peppercorns; 2 tablespoons simple syrup (see Note)

Servings: persons

1
In a 1-quart glass jar, combine all of the ingredients except the syrup.
2
Cover and shake well.
3
Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
4
Strain the infused alcohol into a clean 1-quart glass jar through a cheesecloth-lined funnel.
5
Squeeze any infused alcohol from the cheesecloth into the jar; reserve the solids.
6
Strain the infused alcohol again through new cheesecloth into another clean jar to remove any remaining sediment.
7
Cover the jar and set aside for 1 week.
8
Meanwhile, transfer the solids to a small saucepan.
9
Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
10
Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes; let cool completely.
11
Pour the liquid and solids into a clean 1-quart glass jar.
12
Cover and let stand at room temperature for 1 week, shaking the jar once daily.
13
Strain the water mixture through a cheesecloth-lined funnel set over a clean 1-quart glass jar; discard the solids.
14
If necessary, strain again to remove any remaining sediment.
15
Add the infused alcohol and the syrup.
16
Cover and let stand at room temperature for 3 days.
17
Pour the bitters through a cheesecloth-lined funnel or strainer and transfer to glass dasher bottles.
18
Cover and keep in a cool, dark place.

kcal

Calories

Carbs

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups high-proof vodka (like Stolichnaya Blue 100 Proof), 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, each one pierced with a toothpick, 1 cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger, and more.

Yes, Cranberry-Anise Bitters falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cranberry-Anise Bitters

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions