Prepare The Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Discard any berries that are soft or discolored.

Boil Water: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a rolling boil.

Add Cranberries: Once the water is boiling, add the fresh cranberries and the cinnamon stick (if using). Reduce the heat to a simmer.

Simmer: Let the cranberries simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries should burst open, releasing their flavor and color into the water.

Sweeten The Tea: After the cranberries have simmered, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to suit your taste. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir well.

Strain The Tea: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the tea into a large pitcher or directly into serving cups. Discard the cooked cranberries and cinnamon stick.

Serve: Serve the cranberry tea hot. For an added touch, garnish each cup with a few fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon.

Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the tart and sweet flavors of your homemade cranberry tea!