Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) Water
  • 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
  • 4 whole Cloves
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 Star Anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 Orange Peel (zest only)
  • 6 cups (1.4L) Cranberry Juice Cocktail
  • 1 cup (240ml) Orange Juice
  • 1 cup (240ml) Dark Rum (or Bourbon)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
  • 1 Orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries
  • Optional: Sparkling Wine or Club Soda

Instructions:

  1. Make the Spiced Syrup: Combine water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, and orange peel in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
  2. Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange peel.
  3. Combine the Punch: In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the cooled spiced syrup, cranberry juice, orange juice, rum (or bourbon), and Triple Sec.
  4. Add Fruit: Add the orange slices and fresh cranberries to the punch.
  5. Chill: Cover the punch and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Just before serving, top with sparkling wine or club soda (if desired) for a bubbly kick.