Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups high-quality apple cider (not apple juice)
- 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, depending on cider sweetness)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole star anise
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 2 cups Spiced Rum OR 2 cups Zero-Proof Spiced Spirit Alternative (such as Ritual or Lyre’s)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by prepping your fresh ingredients. Wash the orange thoroughly and slice it into thin, even rounds. Measure out your apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Gather your whole spices—cinnamon, star anise, and cloves—and ensure they are fresh for the best aromatic output. If you are using the zero-proof alternative, keep it at room temperature to mix in later.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and half of the orange slices. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the flavors infuse for at least 20 minutes. Avoid boiling the liquid, as this can make the fruit juices taste bitter and cloudy.
- Once the punch is fragrant and hot, remove it from the heat. If you are serving a crowd where everyone wants the same version, stir in your choice of spiced rum or the zero-proof alternative directly into the pot. Alternatively, keep the spirits on the side and let guests add their own to individual mugs. Ladle the punch into glass mugs or heat-safe cups. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice, a few floating cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive, aromatic touch.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes