Cranberry Punch
This cranberry punch is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. It's made with fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger, and it's simmered until the cranberries have softened and burst. The result is a festive and flavorful drink that's sure to please everyone at your party.
Cranberry punch is a classic holiday drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. The first known recipe for cranberry punch appeared in an 1828 cookbook called "The Frugal Housewife." The recipe called for cranberries, sugar, water, and spices, and it was similar to the cranberry punch that we know today. Over the years, cranberry punch has evolved, and there are now many different variations on the recipe. Some recipes call for the addition of fruit juices, such as orange juice or pineapple juice, while others call for the addition of alcohol, such as rum or vodka. No matter how you make it, cranberry punch is a delicious and festive drink that's perfect for any holiday gathering.
Cranberry Punch Cranberry Punch Cranberry Punch Cranberry Punch
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 orange, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 6 cups water
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey, to taste (optional)
  • Ice, for serving
Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and burst.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Strain the punch through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
  5. Stir in honey, if desired, to taste.
  6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Why It Works
  • The combination of cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger creates a festive and flavorful drink that's perfect for the holiday season.
  • Simmering the punch until the cranberries have softened and burst helps to extract their flavor and create a smooth, rich drink.
  • Adding honey to the punch, if desired, helps to balance out the tartness of the cranberries and create a more balanced flavor.