You may or may not remember, but earlier this year I wrote a post about the health benefits of cranberry juice in collaboration with the world’s leading producer, Ocean Spray. Today I’m delighted to share some more key cranberry information alongside a brand new selection of Ocean Spray products, which I have used to create some festive beverages.

Below you will find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic combinations you can try this Christmas. These new mixes of Ocean Spray cranberry juices are delicious, so if you’re looking for something a little different – look no further!

Over Christmas, we can become exhausted and rundown from the chaotic nature of the season. We tend to overindulge and often put our health second. Adding in some goodness is key to feeling spritely, allowing us to fully enjoy the festivities in good health. Why cranberries then you ask?

I know I’ve written about some of their health benefits before, but today I’m sharing some facts directly from Ocean Spray – because they definitely know cranberries!

There’s more to cranberries than a slice of turkey

We often just think of cranberries as festive food, they appear in Christmas sandwiches, as festive decorations and of course, with our turkey on Christmas Day. Cranberries aren’t just for one season though, they are a great diet addition all year long.

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants they also help reduce cholesterol levels, the risk of coronary disease and diabetes. Here are five key all-year-round health benefits of the cranberry:

1. Cardiovascular benefits for postmenopausal women

2. Powerful antioxidants 

3. Fewer dental cavities

4. Ulcer Prevention

5. Cranberry juice helps prevent UTIs 

Ocean Spray has been working with expert immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi who said the following about the super fruit.

“Cranberries are very popular at Christmas time, whether fresh, frozen, dried or as a sauce. But why only eat the mighty little cranberry during the festive season, especially when nutritionists refer to them as a ‘super fruit’ because of their many health benefits? Packed with antioxidants, cranberries have one of the highest scores on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity scale, scoring even higher than blueberries and blackberries. The Cranberry Institute provides information about ongoing research on the various properties of the tart-tasting little cranberry. And a review in the journal Advances in Nutrition links cranberry consumption to tons of health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of coronary disease, diabetes, and inflammation”.

Festive Ocean Spray cranberry beverages

We’ve established there are more to cranberries than just Christmas! They have significant health benefits, so let’s look at some delicious drinks you can get all that cranberry goodness at home using Ocean Spray juice!

Warm Spice Punch

Ingredients

2.5 litres Ocean Spray^® Cranberry & Apple Juice Drink
50g caster sugar, optional
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole allspice
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Orange slices, garnish

Directions

Combine all ingredients, except garnishes, in a large saucepan. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain punch to remove spices. Place in a heatproof punch bowl. Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

TIP: For an alcoholic version replace some of the Cranberry & Apple with a splash of cider.

Cranberry Gin Fizz

Ingredients

2 ounces gin
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
7 ounces of Ocean Spray® Cranberry & Apple Juice Drink
2 ounces sparkling water

Directions

Combine gin and lemon juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Pour in Cranberry Juice Drink and sparkling water

Christmas Cosmopolitan

Ingredients

125ml Ocean Spray^® Cranberry & Apple ® Juice Drink
50ml vodka
25ml orange liqueur
A dash of fresh lime juice

Directions

Pour the Ocean Spray® Cranberry & Apple Juice Drink, vodka and orange liqueur into a glass. Add a dash of fresh lime juice and stir.

These are absolutely delicious! You’re going to love them! My favourite is the Warm Spice Punch, as it is the perfect winter warmer and for me particularly, it’s also non-alcoholic. There is also a great Ocean Spray cranberry smoothie I’ll be sharing with you in January, so make sure you come back to find out about my cranberry based healthy smoothies.

*Post in collaboration with Ocean Spray cranberry juice*