Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 3 cups apple cider (freshly pressed if possible)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 star anise pod (optional but adds a lovely depth)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda (for a light fizz)
- Fresh orange slices and cranberries for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup spiced rum or bourbon for an adult version
If you don’t have fresh orange juice, bottled 100% orange juice works just fine. For a vegan-friendly sweetener, maple syrup adds a nice earthy note. And if you prefer a punch with a bit less sparkle, you can always skip the sparkling water and serve it warm, which is how Mama Lou loved it during the coldest nights.
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the cranberry juice, apple cider, and fresh orange juice. I love pulling out the old enamel pot Mama Lou gave me—it feels like carrying on a legacy every time I use it.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and freshly grated ginger to the pot. These spices are the heart of the punch, and their aroma fills the kitchen with that unmistakable Christmas magic.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts steaming, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully—Mama Lou always said, “Good things come to those who wait.”
- Remove the pot from heat and strain out the spices using a fine mesh sieve. This keeps the punch smooth while preserving all the infused flavors.
- Stir in the honey or maple syrup until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. I remember sharing a spoonful with Ouma here, debating if it was sweet enough—she always had the perfect palate for balance.
- Allow the punch to cool to room temperature before adding the sparkling water or club soda for that festive fizz. If you prefer a warm punch, serve immediately without the sparkling water.
- If you’re adding alcohol, gently stir in spiced rum or bourbon just before serving.
- Pour the punch into a festive glass or a large punch bowl and garnish with fresh orange slices and cranberries. I love how the bright colors make the drink feel like a centerpiece in and of itself.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
