Who says that rum punch has to be reserved as a summer cocktail? I myself have never been one to discriminate against liquor based on season. Sure, I go through phases when the weather is warmer or colder. That’s why I tried this warm festive version of the old summer classic. (This post contains affiliate links.)
It all started while planning my son’s 2nd birthday party for the beginning of December. Yes, it was on a Sunday afternoon. And OF COURSE, I was going to offer some sort of cocktail (only for the grown ups though, it’s our reward for surviving two year olds). I knew I wanted to do something with this delicious local rum a good friend and his buddies make, I just wasn’t sure what.
I was looking up various cocktails using rum, and kept running across the classic rum punch. Then it occurred to me that a warmer, spicier, bolder version of the classic might just be the ticket. Sure enough, you combine all the ingredients together and it’s like a warm cup of coziness. You could substitute the rum with pretty much any other liquor, or don’t add any liquor at all and make a mocktail for you non-drinkers. Plus it makes your house smell amazing!
Warm Winter Rum Punch
First, start with these ingredients:
- Apple Cider
- Cranberry Juice (I used 100% cranberry here but I would recommend a cranberry juice cocktail for a sweeter more balanced flavor. I ended up adding a little agave nectar which you wouldn’t have to do using regular cranberry juice.)
- Fresh Cranberries
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Orange
- Cinnamon Stick
- Dash of Ground Clove
- Dash of Ground Nutmeg
- Dash of Ground Cinnamon
- Rum (Distillery 36 now has a spiced rum that would be awesome, or liquor of choice, whiskey would be great as well, or no liquor at all if you want a mocktail)
Next, warm it all up in a pot:
- Use a 2:1 ratio, 2 parts cider to 1 part cranberry juice
- Quantities will depend on how many you’re serving, but for 4 drinks use 4 cups cider and 2 cups cranberry juice
- Put a few good handfuls of cranberries and pomegranate seeds in
- Add three cinnamon sticks
- Slice the orange and squeeze it a little bit as before you put it in the pot
- Sprinkle the spices in
- Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat
- Cook for about 10 minutes
Get your mugs ready:
- Pour a couple ounces of the liquor into the mug
Ladle and serve:
- Make sure you get a little bit of all the fruit and yumminess into the glass
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick if you want to be fancy
- Or just dole out giant mugs of the stuff with no garnish and it will still look beautiful and taste delicious
Now go day drink and enjoy!
Also, check out these accessories that I love for serving winter cocktails!
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