This chilled Christmas tea punch combines brewed tea with cranberry, orange, and lemon juices. Cinnamon and cloves add a seasonal spice note. The base recipe contains no added alcohol; an optional adult variation is described separately below.
Ingredients
- 4 cups strongly brewed tea, strained and chilled; the original recipe suggests Starboard Spice
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup prepared simple syrup
- 1 culinary cinnamon stick
- 4â6 whole culinary cloves
- 1 orange, washed and thinly sliced
- Fresh cranberries, washed, for optional garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Prepare enough tea for 4 cups of brewed liquid, following your chosen blendâs brewing directions. Strain out the leaves, allow the tea to cool, and refrigerate until chilled.
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the chilled tea, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and prepared simple syrup. Stir well.
Place the cinnamon stick and cloves in a food-safe spice bag or suitable infuser. Add it to the punch and let the flavors infuse in the refrigerator, tasting periodically.
Remove the spice bag or infuser when the flavor suits your preference. Do not serve loose cloves or other hard spice pieces in the drinks.
Add the orange slices and adjust the sweetness with additional simple syrup if desired.
Keep the punch chilled. Add ice to individual glasses when serving to limit dilution of the remaining batch.
Pour into glasses and add optional cranberries or orange peel as garnish.
Optional adult variation
If desired, add rum or bourbon to individual adult servings rather than to the shared batch. Alcoholic servings are intended only for adults of legal drinking age; enjoy responsibly.
No added alcohol does not mean caffeine-free. Check your chosen teaâs caffeine information and all ingredient labels when deciding whom to serve and when accommodating dietary needs.
