Whether for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas gathering, a simply a chilly night at home, these hot drinks are homey and comforting. Hot fruit juices combined with spices reminiscent of autumn and the holidays will lift spirits and warm bellies. Kids love these non-alcoholic hot punches too!
The use of a crock pot is the best way to blend these ingredients and keep the punch warm for hours. However, a pot on a low-set burner works as well. It is also recommended that these punches are made ahead of time, as to allow the flavors to mingle and the aroma to fill the house.
Mom's Hot Holiday Punch
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without this warm sweet and spiced drink!
Ingredients:
- 2 Quarts Cranberry Juice (cranberry cocktail works, too, if an extra sweet taste is desired)
- 1 Quart Pineapple Juice
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks (additional 1 per serving if garnish is desired)
- 12-15 Cloves
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients into crock pot and adjust to a low setting.
- Allow to simmer for at least an hour before drinking.
- Serve in a mug with additional cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Note: For an adult version of this punch, rum maybe added at the last minute.
Red Hot Apple Juice
Apple combines with cinnamon candy to give this warm drink a sweet and spicy kick!
Ingredients:
- 3 Quarts Apple Juice
- 1/2 Cup Red-Hot Candies
- 1 Tsp. Nutmeg
- 1 Orange, Sliced (additional slice per serving if garnish is desired)
Preparation:
- Heat apple juice on high in crock pot until warm (do not boil). Adjust heat to low.
- Add red-hot candies, stirring frequently until melted.
- Add nutmeg and allow mixture to simmer for at least an hour.
- 15 minutes before serving, add orange slices, allowing them to float in the punch. Both the flesh and the peel will contribute aroma and flavor.
- Serve in a mug with an orange slice and red-hots on the side.
Autumn Lemonade
Lemonade isn't just for summer anymore! This warm drink in the perfect cure for chilly weather.
Ingredients:
- 3 Quarts Water
- 2 1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar
- 2 Cups Lemon Juice
- 12-15 Cloves
- 1 Sliced Lemon (additional slice per serving if garnish is desired)
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients in crock pot and set on low heat.
- Allow to simmer for at least an hour.
- 15 minutes before serving, add lemon slices, allowing them to float in the punch.
- Serve in a mug with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.
Note: this recipe is also great for rained-out pool parties! If in a pinch, lemonade concentrate or sweetened powdered mix can be used in place of water, sugar, and juice.
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