Description
A warm and festive hot spiced cranberry punch perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. This aromatic beverage is infused with cinnamon, orange, cloves, and ginger, and can be served non-alcoholic or spiked with rum or brandy for adults.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened or sugar-free)
- 2 cups water or sugar-free apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp sweetener of choice (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 cup rum or brandy for spiked version
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan or pot, combine cranberry juice, water or sugar-free apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, sweetener, and orange slices.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over low heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Be careful not to bring it to a boil to preserve the flavors and avoid bitterness.
- Remove Spices: After simmering, remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices if you prefer a clearer punch without solids.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): Stir in rum or brandy to spike the punch for an adult version, if desired.
- Serve: Pour the hot spiced cranberry punch into mugs and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
Notes
- Can be made in a slow cooker on Low for 2–3 hours for a hands-off approach.
- Garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks for an attractive presentation.
- Use sugar-free cranberry juice to keep the drink low carb.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Holiday Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
