Description
Start your celebration with this festive holiday morning punch! A refreshing, non-alcoholic blend of citrus & cranberry. Perfect for Christmas!
Ingredients
For the Punch Base:
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4 cups (32 oz) Cranberry Juice Cocktail: This provides the signature color and tangy base. Use 100% juice for a less sweet, more sophisticated flavor.
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2 cups (16 oz) Pineapple Juice: Adds a essential tropical sweetness and brightness that balances the tart cranberry.
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1 cup (8 oz) Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal, but a high-quality bottled juice works well.
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¼ cup (60 ml) Fresh Lime Juice (from about 2-3 limes): This is the secret weapon that adds a necessary sharpness to keep the punch from being too sweet.
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¼ cup (50g) Granulated Sugar or Maple Syrup (optional): Taste your juice blend first. The need for added sweetness will depend on the brands you use.
For the Spice Infusion and Garnish:
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3-4 Cinnamon Sticks
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8-10 Whole Cloves
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1 Orange, sliced into thin rounds
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1 cup Fresh Cranberries (frozen work too)
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1-2 cups Ginger Ale or Sparkling Cider: Added just before serving for effervescence.
Optional Add-In for a “Cinnamon Syrup” Base:
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1/2 cup Water
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1/2 cup Brown Sugar
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3 Cinnamon Sticks
Instructions
Step 1: Create a Spice Infusion (Optional, but Recommended)
For a deeper spice flavor, make a quick cinnamon syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool completely with the cinnamon sticks steeping inside. This can be done a day ahead.
Step 2: Combine the Juice Base
In a large pitcher or a punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Stir in the fresh lime juice. If you made the cinnamon syrup, add it now (discard the cinnamon sticks). If you are using plain sugar or maple syrup, add it now and stir until dissolved. If you are not pre-making a syrup, simply add the whole cinnamon sticks and cloves directly to the juice mixture.
Step 3: The Overnight Marry
This is the key to depth of flavor. Cover your pitcher or punch bowl and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the spices to gently infuse the juice and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare the Garnish
Just before serving, add the fresh orange slices and cranberries to the punch. The cranberries will float, creating a beautiful, festive top layer.
Step 5: The Final Fizzy Lift
Right as your guests are arriving or the family is gathering, slowly pour in the ginger ale or sparkling cider. Stir gently to combine. This preserves the bubbles and adds a refreshing, celebratory effervescence.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Ladle the punch into ice-filled glasses, ensuring each serving gets a few cranberries, an orange slice, and maybe even a small cinnamon stick for extra flair
Notes
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Large Pitcher or Punch Bowl
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Small Saucepan (if making cinnamon syrup)
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Ladle
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Glasses for Serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g