Cinnamon and Cumin-Infused Cranberry Spritzer

Ingredients:

1 C. fresh or frozen cranberries

¼ C. honey

½ C. water

2 Tbsp. whole cumin seeds

4 cinnamon sticks

3 C. unsweetened cranberry juice

2 medium organic oranges, each cut into 8 wedges

Optional: ½ C. vodka

3 C. sparkling water

Optional, To Garnish:

Additional cinnamon sticks

6 long rosemary sprigs, lower leaves removed, and threaded with fresh cranberries

Preparation:

Step 1

Add cranberries, honey, water, cumin seeds, and cinnamon sticks to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the honey is melted and the spices are intensely fragrant.

Step 2

Remove from heat and transfer to a large glass or other non-reactive bowl. Add cranberry juice, orange wedges, and vodka, if using.

Refrigerate for several hours to overnight.

Step 3

Once thoroughly chilled, remove from refrigerator and firmly squeeze each orange wedge into the bowl to capture the juice before discarding. Strain mixture with a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.

Step 4

To serve, fill serving glasses with ice and add enough of the seasoned cranberry juice mixture to fill each glass about 1/3 full. Top off each glass with sparkling water and stir to combine.

Taste and sweeten with additional honey, if desired.

Garnish with cinnamon sticks and/or rosemary skewers and serve immediately.

Enjoy!