With an intro like that, I’d be a little worried to hear the news that to get this lovely pitcher on the table, it would require a 3-day, intense process to brew my own ginger ale and grow organic, backyard cranberries (both of which would take far longer than 3 days now that I think about it).
Nah. None of that nonsense here (especially since I clearly don’t know what I’m talking about with either aspect).
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTES
The flavor of this punch is best using apple cider that is fresh-pressed, meaning, not the kind that is clear like apple juice - it should look slightly cloudy (but you could use the kind in the juice aisle in a pinch). Also if you can't find 100% cranberry juice, you can try using a blend but you might want to cut down on the sugar in the recipe. I like to use Vernor's ginger ale, it's less sweet and just a bit more spunky in flavor.
If you want to make some of this ahead of time, combine everything but the ginger ale in the pitcher and refrigerate for several hours. Add the chilled ginger ale when ready to serve.
Nah. None of that nonsense here (especially since I clearly don’t know what I’m talking about with either aspect).
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups apple cider (see note), chilled
- 2 cups ginger ale, chilled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups cranberry juice, chilled
- Crushed ice
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries and water and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cranberries pop and split. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar. Let cool to room temperature (or chill in the refrigerator).
- In a 2-quart pitcher, pour in the cranberry mixture. Add the apple cider, ginger ale, lemon juice and cranberry juice. Mix.
- Serve in cups with crushed ice.
NOTES
The flavor of this punch is best using apple cider that is fresh-pressed, meaning, not the kind that is clear like apple juice - it should look slightly cloudy (but you could use the kind in the juice aisle in a pinch). Also if you can't find 100% cranberry juice, you can try using a blend but you might want to cut down on the sugar in the recipe. I like to use Vernor's ginger ale, it's less sweet and just a bit more spunky in flavor.
If you want to make some of this ahead of time, combine everything but the ginger ale in the pitcher and refrigerate for several hours. Add the chilled ginger ale when ready to serve.