Cranberry Tea Punch, 2 Ways

Winter means that it's cranberry's time to shine! Not only does cranberry come with a myriad of health benefits, like hearth health and cavity prevention, but its tart taste and bright red color make for the perfect festive drink! We couldn't choose between a hot or cold cranberry tea punch recipe, so we decided to share both--they're a guaranteed hit for any holiday party, cozy or classy.

Hot Cranberry Tea Punch

(Serves 8) Ingredients 2 cups water 6 tbsp Cranberry Cider Tea 3 cups red wine 1 - 2 cups sugar (to taste) Juice and rind of 2 Oranges 2-3 cinnamon sticks 5 whole cloves 8 allspice berries 1 star anise 1/2 tsp fresh ground nutmeg Cranberries + additional cinnamon sticks for garnish Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil, then take it off the heat and add tea. Let steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea, then return the saucepan onto the burner, on medium heat.
2. Add wine, sugar, and orange juice, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add orange rind, cinnamon, cloves, star anise allspice, and nutmeg. Turn down the heat to low, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the herbs. Garnish with cranberries and cinnamon sticks, then serve.

Tea Time Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white grape juice for red wine and omit the sugar! For a MORE alcoholic version, add 1 cup of rum or brandy.

Sparkling Cranberry Tea Punch

(Serves 8) 1/2 cup Cranberry Cider Tea Simple Syrup (See How To Make Tea Syrup Here) 2 L bottle of Ginger Ale 2 cups Cranberry or Pomegranate Juice Juice of 1 orange Juice of 1 lemon 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries 1 orange, sliced Orange rind (optional) Lemon rind (optional)

1. In a punchbowl, add syrup, cranberry or pomegranate juice, and juice your lemon and orange. Stir to combine.
2. Pour in ginger ale, stir carefully to combine.
3. Add orange slices and cranberries in, as well as rinds if using, and serve.

Tea Time Tip: Want to spike the punchbowl? Substitute the orange juice for Triple Sec or Cointreau, then add your choice of hard liquor. Vodka, rum, and brandy all work very well with this punch! Want to try a different tea punch this holiday season? Here are some other festive favorites to choose from: