Holiday Spiced Citrus Punch with Ginger and Star Anise

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and warming holiday punch combining fresh citrus juices with spicy ginger and aromatic star anise for festive gatherings. This american-inspired holiday ready in about 20 minutes brings together fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 American cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups fresh orange juice, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 2-inch peeled and thinly sliced ginger root, 3 star anise pods, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 4 whole cloves. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup honey until dissolved. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes to infuse the spices.
  3. Step 3: Strain the spiced citrus mixture into a large pitcher, discarding solids. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, add 4 cups chilled sparkling water to the pitcher and gently stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve the punch over ice in glasses garnished with fresh mint leaves and orange slices for a festive touch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Holiday Spiced Citrus Punch with Ginger and Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Holiday Spiced Citrus Punch with Ginger and Star Anise?

Refrigerate any leftover holiday spiced citrus punch with ginger and star anise in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Holiday Spiced Citrus Punch with Ginger and Star Anise?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Holiday Spiced Citrus Punch with Ginger and Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Holiday Spiced Citrus Punch with Ginger and Star Anise?

American holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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