Cranberry Punch

For me, there's nothing Christmasy-er than cranberries. I served this at the deacon's Christmas party for my church.

• 64 oz cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 cups Sprite
• Ice ring made with cranberry and orange juices, garnished with orange and lime slices

Combine juices in punchbowl, add ice ring. Slowly pour in Sprite.

Wassail

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 quart pineapple juice
• 6 oz frozen orange juice concemtrate
• 25-30 whole cloves
• 8 cinnamon sticks

Combine in pot or crock pot, simmer until hot.

Cranberry Champagne Punch

This was enjoyed at a recent departmental party

• 1-2 sliced oranges
  
• 1-2 sliced lemons
  
• 1-2 cups brandy
  
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
  
• 2 cans frozen cranberry juice concentrate
  
• 2 bottles chilled dry champagne
  

Several days before your event, slice lemons and oranges, put in jar with corn syrup and brandy. Soak for several days in refrigerator, shaking occasionally.  Strain and pour into punch bowl along with thawed cranberry juice. Slowly pour in champagne and stir.  I used an ice ring made with cran-raspberry juice, with raspberries and orange slices to garnish.

Citrus Punch

I first made this 12 years ago for a wedding shower/brunch. Very tasty and can be mixed with champagne for great mimosas.

• 12 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
  
• 12 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate
  
• 12 oz. frozen limeade concentrate
  
• 3 cups pineapple juice
  
• enough water to make one gallon total
  
• 1 bottle club soda
  

Mix all concentrates with pineapple juice. Add water to make one gallon, stir. Add a splash of club soda before serving.

Mulled wine

I think this is what Clarence requested in It's a Wonderful Life.

• 750 ml red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 2/3 cup sugar
• zest of 1/2 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6-8 cloves

Mix in wine, brandy and sugar in saucepan. add flavorings and simmer over low heat until steaming. Do not boil. Serve hot.

Butterbeer

Hot...frothy...warms you from the inside...
I'm not sure Muggles have successfully duplicated Butterbeer as described by JK Rowling, but my son enjoyed this beverage at the recent Harry Potter 7 premiere party.

• 8 oz cream soda
• 1/2 cup butterscotch syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon butter

Heat butter and syrup in microwave until hot and bubbly. Sir and cool for 30 seconds. Slowly pour in soda. Mixture will fizz. Serves 2.