Description

A festive, make-ahead holiday punch that balances tart cranberries, sweet maple syrup, and warm bourbon with black tea and spices. It is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale

6 to 8 ounces bourbon
4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, tart)
2 cups apple cider (unfiltered)
½ cup real maple syrup
1 cup black tea (strongly brewed and cooled)
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 large orange
4–5 cinnamon sticks
3–4 star anise pods
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Ice (large cubes preferred)

Instructions

Brew 1 cup of black tea using 2-3 tea bags in boiling water. Steep for 5-7 minutes, remove bags, and let cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge.
Place half of the fresh cranberries (about ½ cup) in the bottom of a large pitcher. Muddle them to release the juice.
Pour the cooled tea into the pitcher with the muddled cranberries.
Add the apple cider, cranberry juice, maple syrup, and bourbon. Stir well until the maple syrup is fully dissolved.
Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. Stir again.
Slice the orange into thin wheels for garnish.
Refrigerate the punch for at least an hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
To serve, add a large amount of ice to the pitcher. Pour into glasses, ensuring some muddled cranberries and spices are included.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and an orange slice.

Notes

This punch is best made ahead of time to allow flavors to meld. If the punch is too strong, dilute with apple cider or cranberry juice. If too sweet, add lemon juice or more tea. If too tart, add more maple syrup or apple cider. For a non-alcoholic version, swap bourbon for extra apple cider or black tea.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1

Keywords: holiday punch, cranberry bourbon, maple syrup cocktail, fall drinks, party punch, gluten-free cocktail, vegan cocktail, make-ahead drink