Ingredients
Juices:
- 6 Tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate (or 2 cups orange juice)
- 8 cups apple juice (or apple cider)
- 8 cups cranberry juice
Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
Spices & Fruits:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 star anise
- 1 orange (cut into slices, rind on)
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
Garnishes:
- orange slices
- cranberries
- star anise
- cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the frozen orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the bottom of a slow cooker to create the flavorful base for your punch.
- Add Juices and Fruits: Pour in the apple juice and cranberry juice, then add the orange slices and cranberries. Cover the slow cooker with the lid to prepare for cooking.
- Cook and Stir: Cook the punch on high heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This helps dissolve the sugars thoroughly and blends the spices and fruit flavors into the punch.
- Serve Hot: Once cooked, ladle the punch into cups or mugs and garnish with extra orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to enhance the presentation and flavor. Enjoy it warm for a festive treat.
Notes
- You can substitute apple juice with apple cider for a more robust flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet punch, adjust the sugar quantities to taste.
- Fresh cranberries add a lovely texture, but frozen cranberries work well too.
- This punch can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the 'Keep Warm' setting for up to 4 hours.
- To make it non-alcoholic, serve as is; for an adult version, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
