Christmas punch

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword christmas drinks, cranberry drinks, holiday punch, non-alcoholic punch

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings 8 servings

Apple cider and cranberry juice with sugared fresh cranberries, citrus and ginger ale.

Ingredients

1/4 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup fresh cranberries
3 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice (not juice cocktail)
juice from half of a small lime
3 cups ginger ale chilled
crushed ice

Directions

Put the water, sugar, and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the cranberries start to pop. Transfer to a container and let cool to room temperature, or chill in the fridge until cold.
Put the cooled cranberries in a pitcher. Stir in the apple cider, cranberry juice, and lime juice, and chill until serving time.
Right before serving, add the ginger ale and ice.
Optional: top with floating slices of lime, apple, or orange, or a cinnamon stick. Add these at the very end so they don't turn the punch bitter.

Notes

Prep 10 minutes, cook 5 minutes. Everything except the ginger ale can be made a day ahead. For a grown-up version, swap half the ginger ale for champagne, cava, or prosecco, or add dark rum, brandy, or vodka.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for 8 servings; apple cider counted as apple juice. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.