Hot Punch: A Mulled Pomegranate Drink For The Holidays

I remember the smell of mulling spices wafting through our house at Christmas time. I would stand in the kitchen, just breathing in the warmth and festivity. So when I called my mom to get her recipes for hot punch, I was a bit surprised to learn that the ‘classic' recipes in her box were either made with instant lemonade or a giant scoop of sugar.

I always enjoy a real food challenge, so I set off to concoct the perfect blend of juicy, spiced holiday goodness – without lots of junk. Though cranberry juice is often used, I opted for pomegranate because of its natural sugar content. I also used a bit of honey instead of sugar.

Pomegranates have magical powers. I mean, have you ever cracked one open? All those little rubies inside look like a secret treasure. When I was pregnant, I would devour pomegranates over the sink, dripping with blood-red juice, instinctively drinking my fill of some magic nutrient that my body required. This weekend, my husband and kids juiced a giant bag into a precious quart of juice.

Unless you like the work, I don't recommend juicing pomegranates for this recipe. Just buy 100% organic juice, and since you're heating it anyway, you won't be missing out on any of the goodness of fresh squeezed juice.

I find myself craving this stuff, especially when its intoxicating aroma is in the air. Since it's basically just juice and spices I drink it to my fill.

Though it's delicious without spirits, if you are hosting a grown-up party, you might consider spiking this Hot Punch with a bottle of light red wine or a few ounces of dark rum.

Traditionally a mulled wine would be used on the longest night of the year to toast the coming days of sun.

Wassail!

Hot punch ingredients

• 1 quart pure pomegranate juice
• 1 quart filtered water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• zest of one medium-sized orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 star anise
• 6 whole allspice berries
• 6 quarter inch slices of fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup honey
• Orange slices for garnish
• 1 bottle of light red wine such as Beaujolais Nouveau (optional)

Hot punch method

This is super easy to make!

1. Pour juices, water, and honey into a slow cooker (or use a large saucepan).
2. Stir until honey is combined.
3. Add spices, zest, and fresh ginger.
4. Set slow cooker to high for 1 hour and then turn to warm. (If using the stove, bring to a simmer then turn to warm).
5. Add optional wine.
6. Serve using a punch ladle and top with a slice of orange floating on top.

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