Description
Sip into Christmas bliss with this festive punch that combines cranberry, cider, and winter spices. Perfect for making your holiday morning extra special while the gifts are being unwrapped.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (32 oz) cranberry juice
- 2 cups (16 oz) apple cider
- 2 cups (16 oz) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) honey or maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise pods
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cups (16 oz) ginger ale or sparkling water
- Optional: 1 cup (8 oz) rum, champagne, or prosecco
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and honey. Warm over medium-low heat until honey dissolves, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cinnamon sticks and star anise pods to the liquid. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled mixture with spices to a large container, cover, and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
- On Christmas morning, remove the infused juice from refrigerator. Strain out and discard the cinnamon sticks and star anise. Pour the juice into a punch bowl.
- Add most of the sliced oranges, apples, and cranberries to the punch bowl, reserving some for garnish. Gently stir to incorporate.
- Just before serving, slowly add the chilled ginger ale or sparkling water. If making an adult version, add alcohol now and stir gently.
- Ladle into glasses, ensuring each serving gets some fruit pieces. Garnish each glass with reserved fruit and enjoy!