She Strengthens

Warm Up with a Classic Holiday Punch

This festive drink, reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is sure to become a new holiday tradition. Its unique blend of flavors, featuring cloves, anise, and cinnamon, will leave your guests feeling merry and bright.

A Nightcap Fit for Scrooge and Cratchit

Serve this warm, spiced punch alongside a freshly baked apple pie for a truly unforgettable holiday gathering. Its rich, fruity flavor is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

A Recipe Steeped in History

While its origins may be unclear, this punch has been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries. With its roots in 18th-century traditions, it’s a drink that’s sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.

Gather ‘Round for a Toast

Yield: 6-8 drinks
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 2 hours, plus overnight infusing
Active Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 5 medium oranges
• 1 medium grapefruit
• 36 whole cloves
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle medium-bodied red wine (such as Pinot Noir)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 5 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle ruby port

Let the Infusion Begin

Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place the oranges and grapefruit in a baking dish and bake until lightly browned, about 35 minutes. Flip the fruit over and continue baking for an additional 20-35 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing the fruit from the dish and studding each piece with 6 cloves.

Combine the Flavors

In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise over low heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat. Add the clove-studded fruit to the wine mixture, covering as much of the fruit as possible. Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight.

The Final Touches

The next day, remove the fruit from the saucepan and slice each piece in half. Juice the halves into a strainer set over a medium bowl, discarding any seeds, cloves, or pulp. Add the juice and port to the wine mixture, stirring to combine. Place over low heat until hot, being careful not to let it boil. If desired, remove the star anise and cinnamon sticks before serving.