Description
This quick spiced cranberry mocktail punch is a simple, crowd-pleasing drink that comes together in under 10 minutes. With tart cranberry juice, warm cinnamon, and bubbly ginger ale, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (960 ml) cranberry juice (100% pure, unsweetened)
- 2 cups (480 ml) ginger ale (e.g., Canada Dry or Fever-Tree)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber recommended)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise pod
- 1/2 cup (60 g) fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 4–5 orange slices (thin rounds, for garnish)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of the cranberry juice with the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (tiny bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil) and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the maple syrup until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (it should be slightly sweeter than desired final drink).
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher or punch bowl. Pour the spiced cranberry mixture through the strainer to remove the spices. Discard spices or reserve cinnamon sticks for garnish.
- Add the remaining 2 cups (480 ml) of cranberry juice, the orange juice, and the ginger ale to the pitcher. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine without losing carbonation.
- Add ice cubes or a prepared ice ring to the pitcher. Float fresh cranberries and orange slices on top.
- Serve immediately in glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a few cranberries and a thin orange slice if desired.
Notes
Don’t boil the spices; a gentle simmer is key to avoid bitterness. Make the spiced base up to 3 days ahead for deeper flavor. Use an ice ring instead of cubes to prevent dilution. Adjust sweetness based on cranberry juice brand; start with 1 tablespoon maple syrup if using sweetened cranberry cocktail. For a hot version, combine all ingredients except ginger ale in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, then stir in ginger ale before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 15
- Carbohydrates: 24
Keywords: cranberry mocktail, spiced punch, non-alcoholic drink, holiday punch, easy party drink, cranberry punch, mocktail recipe