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Christmas Punch

Christmas Punch
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This easy-to-make Christmas Punch is a festive, crowd-pleasing drink that blends tart cranberry and sweet orange juices with warming spices and fresh fruit. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it can be customized with or without alcohol to suit all guests. Its vibrant colors and refreshing, balanced flavors make it a delightful centerpiece for any seasonal celebration.

Ingredients

Juice Base

  • Cranberry juice (4 cups)
  • Orange juice (4 cups)

Soda or Sparkling Water

  • Sparkling water or soda (3 cups)

Sweetener

  • Honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup (1/4 to 1/2 cup, to taste)

Fresh Fruit

  • Oranges, sliced (1 large orange)
  • Fresh cranberries (1/2 cup)
  • Pomegranate seeds (1/2 cup)

Spices

  • Cinnamon sticks (2–3)
  • Cloves (4–6)
  • Star anise (optional, 1–2 pieces)

Alcohol (Optional)

  • Rum, vodka, or sparkling wine (1 to 2 cups, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all fresh fruit, juices, spices, and your preferred sweetener. Rinse and slice the fruits as needed, such as slicing the orange into rounds for garnish and adding fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds.
  2. Combine Juices and Sweetener: In a large punch bowl or pitcher, mix together cranberry juice, orange juice, and your chosen sweetener. Stir thoroughly until the sweetener is fully dissolved and the taste is balanced to your preference.
  3. Add Fresh Fruit and Spices: Add the sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate seeds into the juice mixture. Drop in cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise if using, to infuse warm holiday aromas and enhance the festive appearance.
  4. Chill and Add Fizzy Elements: Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the sparkling water or soda to introduce a refreshing fizz and lighten the punch.
  5. Optional Alcohol Addition: If preparing a spirited version, gently stir in rum, vodka, or sparkling wine right before serving to preserve the bubbles and freshness of the punch.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Assemble juices and fruits up to 24 hours early to deepen flavors overnight.
  • Balance Sweetness: Gradually add sweetener and taste to avoid making the punch overly sweet.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Fresh or lightly cracked cinnamon sticks and cloves release better aroma.
  • Keep it Chilled: Serve cold by refrigerating or adding ice cubes or frozen fruit cubes.
  • Presentation Matters: Serve in a clear punch bowl with garnishes like rosemary sprigs, whole cranberries, orange slices, or star anise.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas Punch, holiday punch, festive drink, cranberry orange punch, non-alcoholic punch, holiday beverage

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/christmas-punch/