Holiday Punch with Cranberries and Citrus (diabetic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Holiday Punch with Cranberries and Citrus
Holiday Punch with Cranberries and Citrus is a delightful beverage that captures the essence of the season without overwhelming your palate with sugar. This diabetic-friendly version swaps out traditional sweeteners for natural flavors, allowing the tartness of cranberries and the brightness of citrus to shine through. It’s a punch that not only quenches your thirst but also adds a festive flair to any gathering, making it a perfect companion for holiday feasts.
Historically, punches have been a staple in festive celebrations since the 17th century, often made with a mix of spirits, sugar, and citrus. This modern take embraces the spirit of those gatherings while being mindful of dietary needs. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this punch is sure to be a hit at your next holiday party. Just remember, it’s the only time of year when you can drink your fruit and call it a party!
To prepare this punch, you’ll need a large punch bowl or pitcher to accommodate the ingredients and allow for easy serving. The combination of cranberry juice, fresh citrus, and sparkling water creates a bubbly, refreshing drink that everyone can enjoy. Plus, the addition of fresh cranberries and citrus slices not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation. So, gather your friends and family, and let this punch be the toast of your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
- 4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 4 cups sparkling water
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange slices
- 1 cup lemon slices
- 0.5 cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large punch bowl or pitcher, a measuring cup, and a stirring spoon.
- Pour 4 cups of unsweetened cranberry juice into the punch bowl. This juice serves as the base of your punch, providing a tart flavor that is both refreshing and festive.
- Add 1 cup of fresh orange juice and 0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice to the bowl. These juices will brighten the flavor profile and add a zesty kick to the punch.
- Next, gently stir in 4 cups of sparkling water. This will give your punch a delightful fizz, making it feel celebratory without adding extra sugar.
- Toss in 1 cup of fresh cranberries. They not only add a pop of color but also a burst of tartness that complements the other flavors.
- Add 1 cup of orange slices and 1 cup of lemon slices to the mix. These slices will infuse the punch with their citrusy essence and make for a beautiful presentation.
- For a refreshing herbal note, add 0.5 cup of fresh mint leaves. Gently bruise the leaves before adding them to release their aromatic oils.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to over-stir, as you want to maintain the carbonation from the sparkling water.
- Taste the punch and adjust the flavors if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter punch, consider adding a few drops of liquid stevia or another sugar substitute.
- Let the punch sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time enhances the overall taste.
- Serve the punch over ice in individual glasses. Make sure to include some of the fruit and cranberries in each glass for a festive touch.
- Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint for an extra pop of color and flavor. This not only looks appealing but also adds a refreshing aroma.
- Enjoy your holiday punch responsibly, and remember that this is a drink meant for sharing. After all, it’s not a party until someone spills a little!
- Store any leftover punch in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the carbonation may diminish over time.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 50
- Carbs g: 12
- Protein g: 1
- Fat g: 0
- Sugar g: 2
