Ingredients:

  • 6 cups Unsweetened Cranberry Juice (100% juice)
  • 4 cups Good Quality Apple Cider (Pressed)
  • 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup or Simple Syrup (optional)
  • 4 large Cinnamon Sticks
  • 4 pods Whole Star Anise
  • 6 to 8 Whole Cloves (optional)
  • 4 cups Ginger Ale (Chilled)
  • 1 medium Apple (e.g., Gala or Honeycrisp, thinly sliced for garnish)
  • 1 medium Navel Orange (thinly sliced wheels for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cranberries (for floating)
  • Ice (As needed)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Juices and Sweetener: In a large pitcher or jug, combine the cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and maple/simple syrup (if using). Stir well.
  2. Add Spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and whole cloves (if using). Give the mixture a final stir.
  3. Chill and Infuse: Cover the jug and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the base to chill and the spices to infuse for a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably 4–8 hours.
  4. Strain the Base: Remove the chilled juice base from the refrigerator. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the mixture into the large punch bowl, ensuring all whole spices are removed.
  5. Prepare Ice and Garnish: Fill the punch bowl halfway with fresh ice. Add the sliced apples, orange wheels, and fresh cranberries into the bowl.
  6. Add the Fizz: Just before your guests arrive, slowly pour the chilled ginger ale (or other bubbly) over the ice and juice base. Stir gently once or twice to combine.
  7. Serve: Ladle the punch into glasses, ensuring each glass gets a few floating cranberries and a slice of apple or orange.