Print

Festive Spiced Holiday Punch with Citrus Infusions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 316 reviews

This Festive Spiced Holiday Punch with Citrus Infusions is a warm and inviting beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining apple cider, cranberry, orange, pineapple, and lemon juices with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, it delivers a complex, cozy flavor profile. Finished with fresh citrus slices and pomegranate seeds, and served with a fizzy sparkling water topper, this punch strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tart, and effervescent to delight any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Juices

  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Sweetener

  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)

Spices

  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Garnishes

  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds (optional for garnish)

Additional

  • Sparkling water or club soda, for serving
  • Ice cubes, as needed

Instructions

  1. Combine Juices: In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors well.
  2. Add Sweetener: Incorporate the honey or maple syrup into the juice mixture, stirring until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
  3. Add Spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and grated nutmeg to the mixture. These spices will give the punch its warm, festive aroma and flavor.
  4. Simmer Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling to prevent evaporation of the flavorful juices.
  5. Infuse Flavors: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the punch simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even infusion.
  6. Prepare Serving Vessel: While the punch simmers, prepare a large punch bowl or pitcher by filling it with ice cubes to chill the punch upon serving.
  7. Strain Punch: After simmering, remove the spices by straining the punch through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, leaving a clear, spiced liquid.
  8. Cool Punch: Pour the warm punch over the ice in the bowl or pitcher to cool it slightly and prepare for serving.
  9. Add Garnishes: Just before serving, add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and pomegranate seeds to the punch to enhance both visual appeal and flavor.
  10. Serve: Pour the punch into glasses filled with ice and finish each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing, fizzy finish.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup as desired.
  • For a non-alcoholic punch, use natural juices and sparkling water; for an adult version, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy.
  • Pomegranate seeds are optional but add a festive color and subtle tartness.
  • Do not boil the punch to preserve the delicate flavors and prevent evaporation.
  • The punch can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; warm gently before serving.

Keywords: holiday punch, spiced punch, festive drink, citrus punch, warm punch, holiday beverage, non-alcoholic punch, Christmas punch

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/festive-spiced-holiday-punch-with-citrus-infusions-recipe/