Description
This festive Christmas Punch is a delightful, non-alcoholic beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining sweetened cranberry juice, zesty orange juice, and spicy notes from cinnamon sticks and star anise, this punch offers a refreshing and aromatic flavor profile. Garnished with fresh cranberries and thyme, it’s a vibrant and easy-to-make drink that keeps the celebration spirited and inclusive.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- 64 ounces sweetened cranberry juice
- 2 liters ginger ale
- 16 ounces orange juice
Flavorings & Spices
- 4 tablespoons lime zest
- 6 whole cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole star anise
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
Garnishes
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large punch bowl, pour the sweetened cranberry juice, ginger ale, and orange juice. Add in the lime zest, whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sprigs of fresh thyme. Stir gently to mix all the flavors together.
- Add Ice and Garnishes: Add plenty of ice to keep the punch chilled. Garnish with fresh cranberries and extra sprigs of thyme for an attractive and festive presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the punch cold. For best taste, ensure all ingredients are chilled beforehand. Optionally, present with an ice ring to enhance the holiday ambiance.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor experience.
- For a sweeter punch, add a splash of simple syrup to taste.
- Chilling all ingredients prior to assembly helps maintain optimal coldness without diluting the punch quickly.
- If you do not have a punch bowl, a large bowl or pitcher will work perfectly.
- Consider serving with an ice ring for a decorative festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
