Description
A warm, tart, and sweet holiday punch made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for parties, smells incredible, and can be served warm or cold, with or without alcohol.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 quarts (1.9 liters) 100% Apple Cider
- 2 cups (480ml) Cranberry Juice Cocktail
- 3–4 large Cinnamon Sticks
- 10–12 Whole Cloves
- 2–3 Star Anise
- Zest of 2 large Oranges
- 1-inch piece Fresh Ginger, sliced
- 2–4 tablespoons Brown Sugar or Honey (optional, to taste)
- Orange Slices (for garnish)
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)
- Optional Alcohol: Dark Rum, Bourbon, or Spiced Rum
Instructions
- Wash oranges and use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of zest, avoiding the white pith. Slice ginger into thin coins.
- Pour apple cider and cranberry juice into a slow cooker or large pot. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest, ginger, and sweetener if using. Stir gently.
- For slow cooker method: Set to Low and simmer for 1-2 hours (or High for 30 minutes). For stove method: Heat over medium-low to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Do not boil.
- Taste the punch and adjust sweetness or spice levels as needed.
- Strain the punch through a mesh sieve to remove solids, or leave spices in for a rustic look.
- Serve warm in mugs or heat-proof glasses garnished with orange slices and rosemary. Add alcohol to individual servings if desired.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can make the flavor flat. Use whole spices for better flavor infusion and easier removal. The punch tastes better if made a day in advance. If serving cold, chill the strained base and serve over ice with mint.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: holiday punch, cranberry apple cider, slow cooker drink, party drink, winter recipe, non-alcoholic punch, spiked cider, easy entertaining