Orange, pineapple, apple, a spiced syrup and bubbles: the big punch bowl you set in the middle of the table for everyone.
Punch is the ultimate drink for sharing: a big bowl in the middle of the table, a ladle, orange slices floating on top, and everyone helps themselves. This one blends orange, pineapple and apple, brightened by a cinnamon and star anise syrup, with bubbles at the last minute.
To make it more than mixed fruit juice, two details matter: the spiced syrup, which gives it its Christmas flavor, and time in the fridge, which lets the flavors blend. And to keep it cold without watering it down, a juice ice ring made the day before.
Arrange a few orange slices and cranberries in the bottom of the ring mold, pour the 500 ml orange juice over them and freeze overnight (at least 6 hours).
In the small saucepan, put the water, sugar, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring, then simmer for 3 minutes: the syrup turns amber and very fragrant.
Turn off the heat and let the spices infuse in the syrup until it's cold, about 30 minutes. Strain it.
In the bowl or jug, pour the orange juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, the juice of the 2 limes and the strained syrup. Stir well, taste and adjust with a little lime if it's too sweet.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour 30: the flavors blend, and the punch will be nicely cold at serving time.
At serving time, unmold the ice ring by dipping the mold in lukewarm water for a few seconds and set it in the bowl. Pour the cold ginger ale down the side, stir once gently, then add the remaining orange slices and the mint. Serve with a ladle.
Check off every step to celebrate.
The spiced syrup keeps for 2 weeks in the fridge, covered. The juice mix without the bubbles keeps for 2 days chilled: make it the day before. Once the ginger ale is in, drink it the same day, though it loses its fizz after an hour or two.
Allow about 300 ml per person for an hour-and-a-half aperitif, so two glasses. This recipe makes about 3 liters, for 10 people.
Yes, and it's even better: syrup, juice mix and ice ring are all made the day before. On the day, you just add the bubbles and the ring at serving time.
Sparkling water for a less sweet punch, lemonade for a softer one that kids love, or a lemon soda for more zing.
Add this recipe to your meal, then come back for appetizers, a drink, cookies with coffee: Popotam brings them together, with the shopping for your whole table and the timeline up to dessert. Free, no account.
