Orange and Cider Winter Punch

Rachel Johnson, Contributor

Orange and Cider Winter Punch

To really start the party, add 1½ cups chilled cinnamon-flavored whiskey or spiced rum to the mix.

Serves: 8–10

Prep Time: 10 minutes

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 (64-ounce) bottle apple cider

1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate

1 liter ginger ale, chilled

1 orange, sliced

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon, allspice and 1 cup cider; bring to a low simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in orange juice concentrate.

2. Transfer to a pitcher. Stir in remaining cider; refrigerate until cold (about 2 hours).

3. To serve, transfer cider to a punch bowl; top with ginger ale. Garnish with orange slices and large ice block*, if desired.

*Make a Festive Ice Block: Boil 2 quarts water; allow to cool to room temperature. Fill a large, circular storage container (plastic) about 3⁄4 of the way full with the boiled water. Add apple slices, orange slices, rosemary sprigs or other festive edible decor; cover. Chill until frozen solid (about 8 hours). Gently lower ice into the punch; serve.

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