This time of year it is easy to find fresh cranberries in most grocery stores. Typically they are used to make cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner but you can also use them to make a healthy antioxidant packed drink.

Kompot, not to be confused with compote which is a stewed fruit dessert, is a typical Eastern European drink made using fresh or dried fruits.

It is really easy to make, you can control the sweetness and enjoy it hot or cold. This is a great alternative to store bought juice which is typically not healthy because of it’s added sugar. Making your own cranberry drink is also a great home remedy for bladder infections #UTI.

As an added bonus your kitchen will be filled with fresh fragrant aromatic goodness.

Ren’s Cranberry Kompot

4 cups (minimum) of fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over

1/2 lemon sliced (with peel left on if organic)

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

8 cardamon pods lightly crushed

Add to stock pot and fill 3/4 to the top with water, bring to a boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Let cool then strain. While it’s still warm add honey to taste.

We drink this cold, warm and hot.