Spiced Apple-Cider Winter Punch

Name: Spiced Apple-Cider Winter Punch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: General
Ingredients: 4 cups apple cider; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1/2 teaspoon cloves; 1 orange; 1 lemon; 1/2 cup honey; 2 cups sparkling water

A warming, aromatic drink with apple cider, cinnamon, and citrus, designed for cozy holiday gatherings.

Cuisine: General

Category: Cocktails & Drinks

Prep: 10 minutes. Cook: 20 minutes.

Serves 8.

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 orange
1 lemon
1/2 cup honey
2 cups sparkling water

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, and 1 sliced lemon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the spices.
Step 2: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, discarding the spices and citrus solids.
Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup honey until fully dissolved. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
Step 4: Just before serving, add 2 cups sparkling water to the pitcher and gently stir. Serve warm or chilled in mugs over ice, garnished with fresh cranberries.