Why You’ll Love this Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as wrapping your hands around a mug of this Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch.
The tangy cranberry juice balances perfectly with sweet apple cider, while fragrant spices fill your kitchen with the most incredible holiday aroma.
I love how simple it’s to prepare—just simmer and serve.
Need something for unexpected guests? This punch comes together in minutes. The honey adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the natural tartness of the cranberries.
Plus, it’s versatile. Serving a crowd? Make it in the slow cooker.
Want something stronger? A splash of bourbon works wonders.
What Ingredients are in Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch?
This warming holiday punch brings together the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, with aromatic spices that’ll make your whole house smell like Christmas. The ingredients are simple and accessible, which is why I love making this punch when friends drop by unexpectedly during the holiday season. The combination of cranberry and apple creates a wonderful base that carries the spices beautifully.
- 4 cups cranberry juice (100% juice)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
- Garnish options: extra orange slices, fresh cranberries, or star anise
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters for this punch. Look for 100% cranberry juice rather than cranberry cocktail, which has added sugars that might make your final drink too sweet. The honey can be adjusted based on how tart you like your drinks—some cranberry juices are quite bold and might need a touch more sweetness. And don’t skip the garnishes! They’re not just pretty additions; the fresh orange slices and star anise (if you choose to use it) continue to infuse flavor as you sip.
How to Make this Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch
Making this cozy holiday sipper couldn’t be easier, and your home will smell absolutely divine while it simmers. Start by combining all your ingredients in a medium pot: 4 cups of cranberry juice (remember to use 100% juice for the best flavor), 2 cups of apple cider, 1 thinly sliced orange, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
The honey amount is flexible—you might want more or less depending on how tart your cranberry juice is and how sweet your tooth happens to be.
Once everything’s in the pot, bring the mixture just to a simmer over medium heat. You don’t want it boiling vigorously, just gently bubbling around the edges. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
This simmering time is magical, as it allows all those warming spices to infuse the fruity base with their aromatic goodness. The cinnamon and cloves need that time to release their essential oils into the liquid.
When serving, ladle the warm punch into mugs, making sure each gets a pretty orange slice if possible. And don’t forget to remove those whole spices before storing any leftovers—nobody wants to accidentally chomp down on a whole clove!
For a hands-off approach that’s perfect when entertaining, you can use your slow cooker instead.
Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and heat on LOW for 2-3 hours until everything is warm and the flavors have melded beautifully. Then switch the setting to WARM for serving. This method is my go-to during holiday gatherings when I want something delicious that doesn’t require constant attention.
The punch stays at the perfect temperature, and guests can help themselves throughout the evening.
Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for hot mulled cranberry punch is absolutely delightful, don’t feel like you need to stick rigidly to the ingredients I’ve listed.
Swap in pomegranate juice for a more intense flavor, or try pear nectar for a mellower sweetness. No apple cider? Regular apple juice works fine, just add an extra cinnamon stick.
I sometimes toss in star anise or a few cardamom pods when I’m feeling fancy. For a grown-up version, add a splash of brandy or spiced rum.
And those garnishes? Go wild with rosemary sprigs, mandarin slices, or even crystallized ginger. It’s hard to go wrong.
What to Serve with Hot Mulled Cranberry Punch
Now that we’ve played around with the recipe itself, let’s talk about what foods pair beautifully with this warming winter drink.
I love serving my cranberry punch alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, and creamy brie. The tartness cuts through rich cheeses perfectly.
For something heartier, spiced cookies or gingerbread make magical companions—those warm baking spices echo what’s in your mug.
When hosting brunches, I serve this punch with savory breakfast casseroles. The fruity notes balance salty bacon and eggs wonderfully.
And during holiday gatherings? Nothing beats sipping this beside a plate of turkey or ham, where it functions like a drinkable cranberry sauce.
Final Thoughts
After trying this hot mulled cranberry punch, I’ve come to appreciate how such a simple drink can transform ordinary moments into cozy memories.
The blend of tart cranberry, sweet apple, and warm spices creates something truly special on chilly evenings.
I find myself making this whenever friends drop by unexpectedly or when I need a quiet moment to myself.
What I love most? It’s endlessly adaptable—add more honey for sweetness, throw in some star anise for complexity, or spike it for adult gatherings.
