Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200 g)
  • 1 cup Water (240 ml)
  • 3 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (3-inch)
  • 1 tbsp Whole Cloves (5 g)
  • 4 pods Star Anise
  • 2 strips Fresh Orange Zest (peel only)
  • 6 cups Pure Cranberry Juice (unsweetened, 1.4 L)
  • 2 cups Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (480 ml)
  • 1½ cups Dark or Aged Rum (optional, 360 ml)
  • ½ cup Orange Liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec - optional, 120 ml)
  • 750 ml Sparkling Wine, Prosecco, or Dry Cider (chilled)
  • ½ cup Fresh Cranberries (75 g, for garnish)
  • 1 large Orange Slices (thinly cut, for garnish)
  • 6-8 sprigs Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Spiced Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and orange zest.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until all the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to low and allow the syrup to gently simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let the spices steep for another 15 minutes to fully infuse the flavour. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, discarding the solids.
  4. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (at least 1 hour).
  5. Build the Punch Base: In your punch bowl or large container, pour the pure cranberry juice and the freshly squeezed orange juice. Pour in the chilled spiced simple syrup. Start with ¾ of the syrup, taste, and add the remainder if necessary.
  6. Add Alcohol (Optional): If using, stir in the dark rum and orange liqueur now.
  7. Chill the Base: Cover the punch base and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. This resting period is critical for the flavours to fully marry.
  8. Final Assembly and Serving: Just before serving, place a large block of ice or an ice ring in the punch bowl. Add the fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs to the base for visual appeal.
  9. Sparkle: Immediately before guests arrive or just as you start serving, gently pour the chilled sparkling wine, prosecco, or dry cider into the bowl. Serve immediately.