Hot Punch - A Mulled Pomegranate Drink for the Holidays

I remember the smell of mulling spices wafting through our house at Christmas time. I would stand in the kitchen, just breathing in the warmth and festivity. So when I called my mom to get her recipes for hot punch, I was a bit surprised to learn that the ‘classic’ recipes in her box were either made with instant lemonade or a giant scoop of sugar.

I always enjoy a Real food challenge, so I set off to concoct the perfect blend of juicy, spiced holiday goodness – without lots of junk. Though cranberry juice is often used, I opted for pomegranate because of its natural sugar content. I also used a bit of honey instead of sugar.
Pomegranates have magical powers. I mean, have you ever cracked one open? All those little rubies inside look like a secret treasure. When I was pregnant, I would devour pomegranates over the sink, dripping with blood-red juice, instinctively drinking my fill of some magic nutrient that my body required. This weekend, my husband and kids juiced a giant bag into a precious quart of juice.
Unless you like the work, I don’t recommend juicing pomegranates for this recipe. Just buy 100% organic juice, and since you’re heating it anyway, you won’t be missing out on any of the goodness of fresh squeezed juice.
I find myself craving this stuff, especially when its intoxicating aroma is in the air. Since it’s basically just juice and spices I drink it to my fill.
Though it’s delicious without spirits, if you are hosting a grown-up party, you might consider spiking this Hot Punch with a bottle of light red wine or a few ounces of dark rum.
Traditionally a mulled wine would be used on the longest night of the year to toast the coming days of sun.
Wassail!

Hot Punch Ingredients

• 1 quart pure pomegranate juice
• 1 quart filtered water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• zest of one medium-sized orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 star anise
• 6 whole allspice berries
• 6 quarter inch slices of fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup honey
• Orange slices for garnish
• 1 bottle of light red wine such as Beaujolais Nouveau (optional)

Hot Punch Method

This is super easy to make!

1. Pour juices, water, and honey into a slow cooker (or use a large saucepan).
2. Stir until honey is combined.
3. Add spices, zest, and fresh ginger.
4. Set slow cooker to high for 1 hour and then turn to warm. (If using the stove, bring to a simmer then turn to warm).
5. Add optional wine.
6. Serve using a punch ladle and top with a slice of orange floating on top.

This post can be seen at the following blog carnivals: Fight Back Friday and Seasonal Celebration Wednesday. Hop on over to check out some other posts you may enjoy!

Want more delicious simplicity in your life?

Even for the most organized families, getting healthy dinner on the table can be such a challenge.
That’s why my hubby and I created Real Plans – our new online meal planner that will revolutionize the way you get dinner on the table.

• Stuck in a rut with the same old dinners? Our delicious, home-style recipes are kitchen-tested and family-approved.

 

•   Got special dietary restrictions or tastes? We offer paleo, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free plans in addition to traditional real food menus. Plus you can add and change recipes to your heart’s content.
• Family of eight or party of one… We’ve got you covered with fully customizable portion sizes.
• Dread grocery shopping? Our dynamic smart phone app makes shopping a breeze.

Plus handy bonuses like…

• A weekly timeline to help you spend the least time possible slaving away in the kitchen.
• Plan ahead options including a month’s recipes in advance, plus a double recipe each week to bank ‘fast food’ in the freezer.