Description
This Warm Christmas Punch is a cozy, festive beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, and sweet apple cider, it is infused with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and fresh ginger, sweetened with brown sugar, and optionally enhanced with rum or whiskey. Served warm, it offers a comforting and flavorful drink to celebrate the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Juices
- 1 cup cranberry juice (100% pure)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cups apple cider (sweet)
Spices and Sweetener
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- ½ cup brown sugar
Alcohol (Optional)
- ½ cup rum or whiskey
Instructions
- Combine Juices: In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the cranberry juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, and sweet apple cider to form the base of the punch.
- Add Spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh ginger slices into the juice mixture to infuse warm, aromatic flavors.
- Add Sweetener: Stir in the brown sugar thoroughly until it dissolves completely, ensuring a balanced sweetness throughout the punch.
- Heat the Punch: Heat the mixture on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together gently without bringing the punch to a boil, preserving its delicate taste.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the warm punch into mugs and garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices for an inviting presentation. Add rum or whiskey if desired before serving.
Notes
- Do not boil the punch to maintain the fresh flavors and prevent bitterness from the spices.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor impact.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum or whiskey.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices or extra cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
- The punch can be kept warm in a slow cooker for serving over time.
