Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Filtered Water
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
  • 4 large Whole Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 tsp Whole Cloves
  • 4 pods Star Anise
  • 1 inch piece Fresh Ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Orange Zest
  • 3 cups 100% Cranberry Juice (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 cups Additional 100% Cranberry Juice (chilled)
  • 6 cups Ginger Ale or Sparkling White Grape Juice (chilled)
  • 2 large Orange Slices (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cranberries (for garnish)
  • 6-8 small Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Syrup Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger slices, and orange zest.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 3–5 minutes).
  3. Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and allow the spices to steep for 15 minutes. Do not steep for longer than 20 minutes, or the spices may turn bitter.
  4. Strain: Pour the hot syrup mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large, heatproof bowl. Discard all solids (spices, ginger, zest).
  5. Add Juices: Stir the initial 3 cups of unsweetened cranberry juice and the 1 cup of fresh orange juice into the strained syrup.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. This is vital for flavor development.
  7. Prepare Ice Ring (Optional Garnish Prep): If using an ice ring, fill the mould about two-thirds full of water. Arrange slices of orange, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs inside the water and freeze until solid.
  8. Combine Base: Pour the chilled Spiced Concentrate and the additional 3 cups of cranberry juice into the punch bowl. Stir well to combine evenly.
  9. Add Ice: Gently place the prepared ice ring (or large cubes of ice) into the center of the punch bowl.
  10. Add Fizz: Just before guests arrive, slowly pour in the 6 cups of chilled ginger ale or sparkling wine/juice. Stir gently once to incorporate without losing the bubbles.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Float the remaining fresh cranberries and orange slices on top. Serve immediately.