Description
A festive and flavorful Thanksgiving cranberry cobbler punch combining tart cranberry syrup, bourbon, orange liqueur, apple cider, and champagne for a refreshing holiday cocktail perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest from 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup water
Punch
- 6 cups 100% cranberry juice or cranberry pomegranate juice
- 2 cups apple cider
- 8 ounces (1 cup) bourbon
- 3 ounces (1/3 cup) orange liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1–2 star anise (optional)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) champagne
- Ice
- Sugared cranberries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Syrup: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, maple syrup, brown sugar, fresh cranberries, and one cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then continue boiling for about 5 minutes or until the cranberries start to burst. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. If the syrup thickens too much, add a little more water to thin it out. Allow the syrup to cool completely. Optionally, strain out the cranberries before proceeding.
- Prepare the Punch: In a large pitcher, mix together the cooled cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, apple cider, bourbon, orange liqueur, and orange bitters. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise for extra aroma and flavor. Chill the punch mixture until ready to serve.
- Serve the Punch: Just before serving, fill a punch bowl with ice and pour the chilled punch over it. Slowly add the bottle of champagne to the punch, gently stirring to combine. Add the sliced orange pieces into the bowl for garnish and extra fruity notes. Prepare cocktail glasses with ice, then pour the punch into each glass. Optionally, garnish with sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
Notes
- You can strain the syrup to remove the cranberry solids if you prefer a smoother punch.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon and orange liqueur to taste if you want a lighter or stronger cocktail.
- Sugared cranberries can be made ahead by tossing fresh cranberries in sugar and letting them dry.
- Star anise is optional but adds a lovely spice aroma to the punch.
- Use chilled cranberry juice and apple cider to speed up chilling time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving punch, cranberry cocktail, bourbon punch, holiday drink, festive beverages, cranberry cobbler punch
