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Festive Cranberry Apple Cider Punch Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

This Festive Cranberry Apple Cider Punch is a refreshing and vibrant beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic mocktail or a spirited cocktail, this punch combines the sweet tang of apple cider and cranberry juice with festive spices and bright orange flavors. It can be made ahead of time to let the spices infuse, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing drink for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
  • 2 cups orange juice, chilled
  • 1 cup orange slices
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves

For Mocktail Option

  • 1 liter ginger ale or sparkling water, chilled

For Cocktail Option

  • 1.5 cups spiced rum or bourbon

Serving

  • Ice ring or cubes for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix together the apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, chilled orange juice, orange slices, fresh cranberries, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves to create the flavorful base.
  2. Refrigerate for Mocktail: If making the non-alcoholic version, cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the spices to infuse and flavors to meld.
  3. Add Alcohol for Cocktail: If making the cocktail version, stir in the spiced rum or bourbon, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to infuse.
  4. Remove Spices: Just before serving, take out the cinnamon stick and whole cloves to prevent overpowering the punch.
  5. Add Bubbles: For both mocktail and cocktail versions, gently stir in the chilled ginger ale or sparkling water to add a refreshing fizz.
  6. Serve: Pour the punch over ice cubes or an ice ring in glasses to keep the drink cold without diluting it quickly, and enjoy your festive beverage.

Notes

  • The punch can be prepared up to a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
  • Use an ice ring made with cranberries or orange slices for a decorative touch and slower melting.
  • Adjust the amount of spiced rum or bourbon depending on your preferred strength.
  • For a sweeter punch, add a little honey or maple syrup to taste before serving.
  • Ginger ale adds sweetness and fizz; substitute with sparkling water for a less sweet version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Festive punch, cranberry apple cider punch, holiday punch, mocktail, cocktail punch, spiced drink, make ahead punch, spiced rum punch

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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/festive-cranberry-apple-cider-punch-recipe/