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Christmas Punch

Christmas Punch
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This festive Christmas Punch recipe combines vibrant cranberry juice, sweet apple cider, fresh orange slices, and warm cinnamon sticks with a bubbly touch from ginger ale or sparkling water. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare, customizable for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic preferences, and visually stunning with bright reds and greens. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together or a lively party, this punch brings a delicious seasonal balance of sweet, tart, and effervescent flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 cups cranberry juice
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1–2 oranges, thinly sliced
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)

Carbonation

  • 3–4 cups ginger ale or sparkling water

Optional Alcoholic Additions

  • 1 cup spiced rum, vodka, or sparkling wine (optional)

Optional Flavor Enhancers

  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
  • Splash of orange liqueur or freshly squeezed orange juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit and Spices: Wash and slice the oranges into thin rounds. Rinse the fresh cranberries. Place the cinnamon sticks and optional herbs like rosemary or thyme into the punch bowl or pitcher to infuse their flavors.
  2. Combine the Juices: Pour the cranberry juice and apple cider into the punch container. Stir gently to blend the bases, achieving a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
  3. Add Carbonation: Just before serving, slowly pour in the ginger ale or sparkling water to retain the punch’s lively bubbles and effervescence.
  4. Mix in Alcohol (optional): If desired, gently fold in spiced rum, vodka, or sparkling wine, mixing carefully to preserve the carbonation.
  5. Garnish and Chill: Add the orange slices and fresh cranberries on top for a beautiful presentation. Chill the punch for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld perfectly.

Notes

  • Use chilled ingredients to keep the punch icy cold without diluting it.
  • Taste as you go and adjust cranberry juice and apple cider ratio to balance sweetness and tartness.
  • Add carbonation last to maintain fizz and freshness.
  • Use fresh garnishes like fruit and herbs for extra aroma and visual appeal.
  • Make a small test batch before the event to fine-tune flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas punch, holiday drink, festive punch, non-alcoholic punch, spiced rum punch, cranberry punch, holiday beverage

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