Winter Fruit Punch Blend (Printer-friendly)

Warm blend of citrus, seasonal fruits, and spices, ideal for chilly day comforts.

# What You Need:

→ Fruits

01 - 2 large oranges, sliced
02 - 1 lemon, sliced
03 - 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup pomegranate seeds
05 - 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen

→ Juices and Liquids

06 - 4 cups apple juice
07 - 2 cups orange juice
08 - 2 cups cranberry juice
09 - 2 cups water

→ Spices and Sweeteners

10 - 2 cinnamon sticks
11 - 4 whole cloves
12 - 3 star anise
13 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Place apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and water into a large saucepan.
02 - Incorporate sliced oranges, lemon, apple, pomegranate seeds, and cranberries into the liquid mixture.
03 - Introduce cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the pot.
04 - Bring the contents to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
05 - Allow to simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes for thorough flavor infusion.
06 - Taste and add honey or maple syrup if desired for sweetness.
07 - Remove from heat. Strain if preferred or serve with fruit and spices for a rustic presentation.
08 - Ladle into mugs and garnish with extra fruit slices or a cinnamon stick.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It fills your whole house with the kind of smell that makes people linger in doorways and ask for the recipe.
  • You can make it hours ahead and just reheat it gently when friends arrive, no last-minute scrambling.
  • The fruit gets soft and sweet in the punch, turning into a bonus snack at the bottom of your mug.
  • It tastes fancy but uses everyday juice and pantry spices you probably already own.
02 -
  • Don't let it boil hard or the juices will taste sharp and the fruit will fall apart into a cloudy mess.
  • Taste before you sweeten, I've made batches that needed nothing at all and others that wanted just a drizzle of maple syrup.
  • If you're reheating leftovers, do it gently over low heat and add a splash of water if it's thickened overnight.
03 -
  • Use a potato peeler to shave off a few strips of orange zest before slicing and toss them in for extra citrus oil and aroma.
  • If you want a clearer punch without straining, simmer the spices in a cheesecloth bundle so you can fish them out easily.
  • For a party, keep the punch warm in a slow cooker on low and let guests ladle their own mugs all night.

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