Christmas punch recipe

This warming Christmas punch is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit. 

Made with red wine gently simmered with brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves and a good slug of brandy, it’s the perfect drink to welcome guests on a chilly evening. Prepare everything in advance and only start heating the punch a short while before serving, making sure that it doesn’t boil. Ladle into heatproof glasses straight from the pan or strain into a heatproof jug to serve. It's the perfect drink to serve with a tray of oven-warmed mince pies.

Ingredients

• 1 small orange
• 6-10 cloves
• 1 bottle red wine
• 55g light soft brown sugar
• Few strips pared lemon rind
• 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra to serve
• ½ tsp finely grated nutmeg
• 75ml brandy

Method

1. To begin making your Christmas cocktail stud the orange all over with the cloves and then cut it in half. Place the studded orange halves in a large pan with the wine, sugar, lemon rind, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in 200ml water.
2. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer gently for 10 mins then stir in the brandy. Serve in heatproof glasses with a cinnamon stick.

Top tip for making this Christmas punch

For a non-alcoholic punch replace the red wine with cranberry juice and add 250ml orange juice instead of the water and brandy.

Fancy trying another delicious festive cocktail? Why not have a go at our classic snowball cocktail recipe. Or how about a refreshing, indulgent mulled cider to enjoy on those crisp winter nights - we have the perfect recipe.