Cranberry kissel is a traditional Ukrainian fruit dessert drink made from cranberries, sugar, and starch. It has a bright ruby color, sweet-tart flavor, and a slightly thick consistency. Served warm or chilled, it’s a beloved treat in Eastern Europe.
Prepare cranberries. Wash cranberries and mash or blend them.
Extract juice. Press cranberries through a sieve or cheesecloth. Save the juice in a bowl.
Cook the base. Take the leftover cranberry pulp, add 1 liter of water, and bring to a boil. Strain and discard solids.
Sweeten. Add sugar (and optional vanilla or lemon zest) to the hot liquid. Stir until dissolved.
Thicken. Pour in the dissolved starch in a thin stream, whisking constantly. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish with juice. Remove from heat, then add the reserved cranberry juice. Stir well.
Serve. Serve warm in mugs or chilled in glasses.