punch

It’s the second day of #CranberryWeek hosted by Caroline of Caroline’s Cooking. We’re sharing cranberry-inspired creations all week long in celebration of national cranberry day. Search #CranberryWeek to keep up to date and follow the #CranberryWeek Pinterest board for more cranberry inspiration.

Cranberry Cider Punch for #CranberryWeek from Sew You Think You Can Cook

Do you have a themed beverage at your holiday gatherings?

I’ve done one for The 4th of July and for Auburn game day (both of those a sangria). Surprisingly, I’ve not done one for Thanksgiving or Christmas! How is that possible?!

This punch I’m sharing for #CranberryWeek is non-alcoholic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little something to it should you desire.

The simple syrup created for this drink uses brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, giving it a beautiful Autumn color. Star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange impart their flavor on the sweetener.

Burst cranberries provide a bit of pizzazz that dress this punch up for holiday season.

Cranberry Cider Punch for #CranberryWeek from Sew You Think You Can Cook (2)

Cranberry Cider Punch

Ingredients:

1 C brown sugar
1 1/3 C water, divided use
3 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise pods
1/2 small clementine peel
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 C fresh cranberries
3 C apple cider
1 1/2 C cranberry juice
1 bottle (12.7 oz) ginger beer

Steps:

Make simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, 1 C water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, clementine peel, and nutmeg. Bring to a low boil until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool.
Put cranberries and remaining 1/3 C water in a small skillet. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst. Remove from heat.
In a pitcher (or punch bowl), combine the cider, cranberry juice, 2/3 C simple syrup, and ginger beer. Gently stir to combine.
Serve over crushed ice and garnish with burst cranberries.

*This recipe is adapted from Jessica at https://www.howsweeteats.com/2014/11/cranberry-cider-punch/*

Cranberry Cider Punch for #CranberryWeek from Sew You Think You Can Cook (3)

Be sure to check out these other great cranberry recipes:

Cranberry Chicken Salad Wrap by Making Miracles

Cranberry Dijon Ham by Cookaholic Wife

Cranberry Cider Punch by Sew You Think You Can Cook

Cranberry Margaritas by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures

Cranberry Orange Wild Rice by Jonesin’ for Taste

Fresh Cranberry Muffins by Family Around the Table

Pickled Cranberries by Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Salad with Cranberry, Pear, Walnuts and Gorgonzola by Palatable Pastime

Every St. Patrick’s Day since 2010 has been celebrated with my wonderful friend Kate. For a history of our holidays see last year’s {failed} Irish Bread Braid. I am trying the braid again tomorrow and hope to update that post, so wish me luck!

As I was pregnant last year and Kate doesn’t particularly enjoy boozy beverages, we made a non-alcoholic punch. By all means, add some vodka if you feel so inclined.

I will warn you though, there’s a lot of sugar in this pot ‘o gold. I had a doctor’s appointment the following day and my sugar levels were through the roof. Whoops. Eh, the little guy turned out just fine… I type as he’s screaming, fighting a nap.

This year it’s just the three of us and it’s going to seem pretty lonely. I’ll be sticking with my tradition and make meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Along with a green vegetable of some kind – something the little guy might eat.

Pot ‘O Gold Punch

Ingredients:

1 pkt (0.2oz) lemonade Kool-Aid powder
1 C sugar
1 1/2 C lemon-lime soda
1 1/2 C citrus soda
2 C pineapple juice
6 C cold water
decorating sugar for garnish (optional)

Steps:

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Keep cold until ready to serve.
If desired: Place decorating sugar on a shallow plate. Place the lip of the glasses in water then coat with the sugar. Pour punch into rimmed glasses.

*This recipe is adapted from Melissa at http://luluthebaker.com/2012/03/st-pattys-day-punch.html*