Cranberry Juice

Store opened bottles in the refrigerator. Unopened shelf-stable bottles (typically pasteurized) keep for many months in a cool, dark pantry before opening. Freezing extends shelf life significantly.

Cranberry juice is very tart; many recipes blend it with sweeter juices or add sugar to balance the flavor.

For cooking, unsweetened cranberry juice gives more control over final sweetness than pre-sweetened varieties.

Works well in glazes, sauces (especially for poultry), and cocktails like the Cape Codder.

Fresh cranberry juice has a shorter shelf life than bottled; use within a few days or freeze.

Poultry (especially turkey and duck)

Pork and ham

Citrus (orange, lemon)

Ginger and warm spices

Vodka and gin (cocktails)

Dark chocolate and vanilla

Using sweetened juice when a recipe calls for unsweetened—this can throw off the balance of a sauce or glaze.

Assuming all commercial cranberry juice is 100% juice; many contain added sugars and other juices. Check the label.

Not adjusting acidity in recipes; cranberry juice's tartness can overpower delicate dishes if used without compensation.