Sparkling Christmas Punch

Use apple juice if you prefer a rich golden color for this spiced sipper.

Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
14
Yield:
14 (4 ounce) servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups apple juice or pear nectar

  • 4 inches stick cinnamon

  • 1 vanilla bean, split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 6 whole cardamom pods, broken

  • 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry champagne or two 12-ounce bottles lemon-lime carbonated water, chilled

  • 1 large apple, cored and sliced crosswise, or 1 pear, cored and sliced (optional)

  • Cranberries (optional)

  • Ice cubes

Directions

  1. Pour the apple juice or pear nectar into a medium saucepan. For spice bag, place the stick cinnamon, vanilla bean (if using), and cardamom on a double-thick, 6-inch-square piece of 100%-cotton cheesecloth. Bring up corners; tie with string. Add spice bag to juice. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

  2. Before serving, remove spice bag and discard. Pour juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir in vanilla extract (if using) and the champagne or carbonated water. Add apples or pears and cranberries, if desired. Add ice just before serving.

Tips

Copyright 2000 Meredith Corp. Recipes may not be republished without permission.

You’ll Also Love