sparkling cranberry cider tequila punch
Why is it called “punch”? Do people sock each other for the first go at the bowl?
Well, whatever the case, I’m slugging you into Saturday with a refreshing pitcher cocktail. This dude is excellent for Thanksgiving and any upcoming gatherings you plan to host. A perfect cozy day punch flavored with apple cider and bubbly cranberry juice, spiked with tequila and orange liqueur, and finished with pretty little garnishes.
I kind of love pitcher cocktails, in part because I don’t have to fuss with ice since they come pre-chilled. Watered down drinks aren’t my idea of a good time, and those are pretty much par for the course when living in Florida hell. Instead of worrying about a melted glacier ruining your drink, just mix it up, chill, sit back, sip, and chill some more.
Don’t Dull My Sparkle
I myself enjoy sparkling cranberry juice more than regular, but I assure you that both work great in this drink if you can’t find the bubbly version. I get mine at Trader Joe’s, where it’s coming into season at present. Snag it while you can!
Nothing fussy about this pitcher. Just mix everything up, including some apples, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh cranberries. Cover and chill for awhile. It keeps very well for several days, and the boozy apples in the drink are even more delightful the longer you wait.
To add a little glittery fun to each glass, I like to rim them with a cinnamon-ginger sugar. Festive as fuq. Toss some sugar with ginger and cinnamon (golly, like that description didn’t imply such already), run a citrus wedge around each glass, and dip into the sugar. Shake off any excess.
To finish? Well, drink that crap, of course!
Today we’re embarking on our annual Thanksgiving, just the two of us, which is always a nice little affair. Except I probably should wash the tablecloth. Always something to clean around here, because that’s what adulthood is. At least there’s booze to allay the sting.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Watch the pitcher:
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sparkling cranberry cider tequila punch
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 3 cups sparkling cranberry juice (or regular)
- 1 cup tequila
- 1/2 cup Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, plus more for garnish
- 4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 4 star anise pods, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cider, cranberry juice, tequila, Cointreau, apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and anise pods. Chill until ready to serve.
- Before serving, toss together the sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Run a citrus wedge around each glass and dip into the sugar to coat. Divide the punch among the glasses, with or without ice. Garnish with additional cranberries, apples, cinnamon, and anise pods, as desired.
