Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (945 ml) Spiced Apple Cider, chilled
  • 3 cups (710 ml) 100% Cranberry Juice, chilled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Fresh Orange Juice, strained
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice, strained
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Maple Syrup (or adjusted to taste)
  • 3 whole Cinnamon Sticks
  • 4 whole Star Anise Pods
  • 4 slices Fresh Ginger (unpeeled)
  • 1/2 tsp Whole Cloves
  • 4 cups (945 ml) Sparkling Ginger Ale, chilled (for topping)
  • 1 medium Apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (for garnish)
  • 1 medium Orange, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the chilled Spiced Apple Cider, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, and Lemon Juice in a large pitcher or jug. Stir gently to combine the base liquids.
  2. Add the whole Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, Fresh Ginger slices, and Cloves directly into the liquid base. Stir in the Maple Syrup. Taste a small sample and adjust sweetness if desired.
  3. Cover the pitcher tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally 4 to 6 hours. This time is crucial for allowing the maple and spices to properly infuse the fruit juices.
  4. Just before serving, strain the infused liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into the punch bowl, discarding the used spices (optional, for a clearer punch). Add a large block of ice or several handfuls of cubes.
  5. Add the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, and orange slices/wheels as garnish.
  6. Pour the chilled Sparkling Ginger Ale directly into the punch bowl. Stir once, very gently, to combine the fizz, and serve immediately.