Warm up your chilly evenings with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Our Spiked Apple Cider Wine Hot Punch is the ultimate cozy drink that combines the comforting flavors of apple cider with the rich depth of red wine and a hint of brandy. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in, this festive concoction will wrap you in warmth and cheer, making it an irresistible addition to your fall and winter celebrations. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your holiday spirit? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for a second cup!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of red wine, 1/4 cup of brandy, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 sliced orange, and 1 sliced apple.
- In a large saucepan, pour in the 4 cups of apple cider and 2 cups of red wine. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- As the mixture begins to warm, add the 1/4 cup of brandy and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture is warm, add the 2 cinnamon sticks, the sliced orange, and the sliced apple to the saucepan. This will infuse the punch with delicious flavors.
- Continue to heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil, as boiling can alter the flavors and reduce the alcohol content.
- Let the punch simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the spices and fruit to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic beverage.
- After simmering, taste the punch to see if it needs any additional sweetness. If desired, you can add a little more brown sugar, stirring until it dissolves.
- Once the punch is ready, remove it from heat and strain out the solids, such as the cinnamon sticks and fruit slices, if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Serve the Spiked Apple Cider Wine Hot Punch warm in heatproof mugs or cups. You can garnish with additional apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
- Enjoy your cozy and festive drink, perfect for gatherings or a relaxing evening at home!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality apple cider and a decent red wine. A fruity red like Merlot or Zinfandel works wonderfully.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your punch before serving. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more brown sugar gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- Infuse Longer for More Flavor: If you have the time, let the mixture simmer longer than 30 minutes. This will deepen the flavors and enhance the aroma.
- Strain for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother drink, strain out the solids before serving. This will give you a refined punch that’s easy to sip.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance your presentation by garnishing with additional apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a star anise for a touch of elegance.
- Make It Ahead: This punch can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. Just be careful not to let it boil to preserve the flavors.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly option, simply omit the wine and brandy, and add extra spices and apple slices to the cider for a delicious non-alcoholic punch.Enjoy crafting this heartwarming drink that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
