I hope you’re all having a festive and joyful holiday season. For me, this time of year is all about spending time with friends and family, giving back, and of course, eating all the food and drinking all the drinks. I really love a fun sparkly beverage to celebrate the season and ring in the new year. This year I’ll be sipping this spiced pomegranate punch. It’s not too sweet and has just the right amount of cozy spice thanks to the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Serve it with a splash of sparkling water for a perfect zero proof holiday cocktail or add something boozy like gin or vodka if that’s your thing. Happy holidays and thank you all for following along and supporting my work. See you next year! Continue reading for the recipe…

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Spiced Pomegranate Punch

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

3 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice

1 cup water

1 cinnamon stick

15 cloves
 
1 star anise
 
1 2-inch piece of orange peel
 
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
 
3 tablespoons honey
 
Soda water
 
PROCEDURE
 
In a medium pot bring the pomegranate juice, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and orange juice to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove from the heat and strain, discarding the spices and orange peel. Once the punch has cooled slightly, stir in the honey. Allow to cool completely before serving. Serve over ice with a splash of soda water or alcohol of choice.