Spiced Holiday Punch
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups apple cider (freshly pressed if possible)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, pour in the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir them gently to ensure the base is well mixed before adding the sweeteners.
- Add the brown sugar to the pot and stir until it begins to dissolve. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. These spices will provide that signature “holiday” flavor as they heat up.
- Place the pot over medium heat until it reaches a very gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Let the punch simmer for about 20 minutes. Avoid letting it reach a rolling boil, as this can make the fruit juices taste slightly bitter.
- About 5 minutes before you are ready to serve, add the orange slices and fresh cranberries to the pot. This allows the fruit to soften slightly and release their oils without breaking apart completely.
- Using a slotted spoon or a fine-mesh strainer, remove the whole cloves and star anise if you prefer a smoother drinking experience. Ladle the hot punch into mugs and make sure each glass gets a slice of orange and a few cranberries.
Find it online: https://www.pleasecook.com/desserts/spiced-holiday-punch/