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Quick Cranberry Ginger Punch for a Crowd

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This quick cranberry ginger holiday punch for a crowd is the exact recreation of a beloved memory. The secret is the balance: the tartness of fresh cranberries against the warm, spicy kick of ginger, with just enough sweetness to round it all out.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup sliced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chilled ginger ale or ginger beer
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Cranberry-Ginger Base: In a large pot, combine the 4 cups of cranberry juice, 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the thinly sliced fresh ginger. Stir together. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil.
  2. Simmer and Infuse: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The color will deepen to a rich ruby red.
  3. Strain and Cool: Remove the pot from the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher or punch bowl. Carefully pour the hot liquid through the strainer, catching all the ginger slices. Discard the ginger. Let the liquid cool to room temperature (or speed up by placing in the fridge for about 30 minutes).
  4. Add the Final Flavors: Once the base is cool, stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. If using the optional ground ginger, whisk it in now. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
  5. Chill Thoroughly: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold. The base can be made up to 3 days ahead.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Just before serving, slowly pour in the 4 cups of chilled ginger ale or ginger beer. Stir gently to combine. Add garnishes: fresh or frozen cranberries, orange slices, and mint sprigs. Serve immediately over ice.

Notes

For a boozy version, stir in 1 cup (240 ml) of vodka, white rum, or bourbon after chilling. For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, and 4 cloves while simmering. Make an ice ring with cranberries and orange slices for a stunning presentation. The base can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry ginger punch, holiday punch, cranberry punch, ginger punch, party punch, non-alcoholic punch, Christmas punch, New Year's punch

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/quick-cranberry-ginger-punch-for-a-crowd/