Description
This Mulled Cranberry Punch is the ultimate cozy holiday drink — fragrant with cinnamon, oranges, and cranberries. It’s a non-alcoholic punch that’s festive, warming, and perfect for holiday parties or quiet nights by the fire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups water
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large pot, mix cranberry juice, apple cider, water, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Stir gently.
- Simmer Gently: Bring to a light simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the punch.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to your taste.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the spices and orange slices using a strainer or slotted spoon. Pour into mugs or a heat-safe pitcher.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add fresh orange slices, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick to each serving for a festive look.
Notes
For an adult version, add 1/2 cup of spiced rum or red wine after removing the punch from heat. To make ahead, refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors balanced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Holiday Beverage
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg