Fresh cranberry holiday celebration punch recipe

Family friendly winter sangria punch

12 ounce bag fresh cranberries (tested with Ocean Spray brand)

1 cup granulated sugar

6 cups water

Juice from 3 lemons (about 3/4 cup)

3 cups grape juice

2 cups spiced or plain apple cider (tested with Trader Joe's spiced apple cider)

1 apple, washed, cored, thinly sliced

1 pear, washed, cored, thinly sliced

1 orange, washed, sliced into wheels

2 bottles (12 ounces each) Reeds Extra Ginger Brew OR 1 bottle (25 ounces) sparkling cranberry juice (tested with Trader Joe's brand)

1. Soak cranberries in water to clean. Drain and pick out and discard bruised berries. 

2. Add berries, sugar and 6 cups of water to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer rapidly for 15 minutes, stirring frequently and skimming off impurities that rise to the top.

3. Let cool in the pot for at least an hour, or transfer to a covered glass dish and refrigerate up to three  days. 

4. When ready to serve, place cranberries and lemon juice in a blender and process until berries are completely liquified. Add grape juice and apple cider. Strain into a large pitcher. Add sliced fruits and refrigerate at least two hours.

5. Just before serving, pour cold punch into a large punch bowl. Add the ginger brew or sparkling cranberry juice.

Testing notes: When made with spiced apple cider and ginger brew, this is a tart punch with a nice, warming kick. If you like a sweeter punch, add sugar to taste. If it seems too sweet, serve over ice or dillute with plain seltzer.

For a tamer punch, choose plain apple cider and sparkling cranberry juice. The bright red punch will dye the fruits. For more contrast, remove the soaking fruit and add freshly cut slices before serving. 

Comments

[Cran fan]

Looks delicious. Planning to try this for Christmas Eve.