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–+ servings

Festive Holiday Punch

This warm or chilled holiday punch combines citrus juices, aromatic spices, and natural sweeteners to create a cozy, flavorful beverage. It features simmered fruit and spices that deepen in flavor, resulting in a smooth, fragrant drink with a festive appearance. Perfect for celebrating, it can be served hot or cold with fresh citrus slices and herbs for garnish.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 120kcal
Author: James Taylor
Servings: 8

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups orange juice freshly squeezed or high-quality store-bought
  • 1 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cups water
  • 4 whole cinnamon sticks for infusing
  • 4 cloves whole cloves for infusing
  • 2 star anise star anise pods for infusing
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 orange orange slices for garnish and flavor
  • 1 lemon lemon slices for garnish and flavor
  • a few fresh mint or rosemary sprigs fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  • Gather all your ingredients and tools to keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
    Gather all your ingredients and tools
  • Pour the orange juice, lemon juice, and water into a large pot, creating a fruity base for your punch.
    Thinly slice the citrus fruits and set aside
  • Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the pot, then set the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    Pour the apple, pear, and cranberry juices into the large pot
  • Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse and fill your space with warm, aromatic scents.
    Place the pot over medium-low heat
  • Remove the pot from heat; then, stir in honey or maple syrup, tasting and adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
    Place the pot over medium-low heat
  • Strain out the spices and citrus slices using a fine strainer, pouring the clear, fragrant punch into a serving vessel.
    Pour the warm punch into glasses
  • Slice the orange and lemon into rounds, then float them on top of the punch for a festive, colorful presentation.
    Garnish each glass with fresh mint
  • Add fresh herbs, like mint or rosemary sprigs, to enhance the aroma and add a pop of color.
  • Serve the punch warm immediately, or let it cool in the refrigerator for a refreshing chilled version. Ladle into glasses, ensuring each has a bit of citrus and herb for a beautiful, inviting look.
    Serve immediately while warm

Notes

For a non-alcoholic, family-friendly drink, this punch is perfect served warm or cold. Feel free to customize with different herbs or adjust sweetness based on your preference. The flavors deepen as it sits, so make it ahead for even richer taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 150mg | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg