Cranberry, Orange & Lavender Holiday Punch
Serves: 20-25
 
Ingredients
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups whole cranberries
  • A large bunch of lavender sprigs
  • 3 oranges sliced
  • 3 liters cranberry cocktail juice
  • 3 liters blood orange Italian soda (or any other alcoholic or non alcoholic sparkly/bubbly alternative)
  • 3 liters bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • Ice
Instructions
  1. Simmer sugar, water, 1½ cups whole cranberries, half of lavender sprigs and 2 sliced oranges in a medium saucepan for about 15-20 minutes or until mixture is reduced to a simple syrup (cranberries should be soft and tender). Let cool.
  2. In a large punch bowl, mix ice, cranberry cocktail juice, Italian soda (or alternative) and bourbon/whiskey. Pour in cooled cranberry syrup and stir.
  3. For garnish, bake 1 orange sliced on a bed of foil in the oven for 10 minutes at 450 degrees or until the peel blackens a bit on the edges and the juice caramelizes. Float orange slices, ½ cup cranberries and extra lavender sprigs in the punch bowl.
Recipe by Pepper Design Blog at https://www.pepperdesignblog.com/2014/12/24/festive-holiday-punch-merry-christmas/