Hot Alcoholic Punch Recipes for Cold Weather

Warm Adult Beverages for Autumn and the Holiday Season

© Melissa Parks

Oct 14, 2009

Whether for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas gathering, a simply a chilly night at home, these hot drinks are homey and comforting. Hot fruit juices combined with complimentary liquors and spices reminiscent of autumn and the holidays will lift spirits and warm bellies.

The use of a crock pot is the best way to blend these ingredients and keep the punch warm for hours. However, a pot on a low-set burner works as well. It is also recommended that these punches are made ahead of time, as to allow the flavors to mingle and the aroma to fill the house. Liquor should be added just before serving, however, and the crock pot's low setting will not cook off the alcohol too quickly.

Mom's Hot Holiday Punch (With a Kick!)

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without this warm sweet and spiced drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 Quarts Cranberry Juice (cranberry cocktail works, too, if an extra sweet taste is desired)
• 1 Quart Pineapple Juice
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks (additional 1 per serving if garnish is desired)
• 12-15 Cloves
• About 1 Cup Myer's Dark Rum
• About 1 Cup Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients into crock pot and adjust to a low setting.
2. Allow to simmer for at least an hour before drinking.
3. Strain punch to remove spices.
4. Add rum; if concerned about the strength of the alcohol, add bit by bit until desired flavor is achieved.
5. Serve cocktail in a mug with additional cinnamon stick.

Morgan's Mulled Apple Cider

To mull apple cider means to heat it and add spices for flavor. Here, rum is also added.

Ingredients

• 2 Quarts Apple Cider
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 12-15 Cloves
• 1 Orange, sliced
• About 1 1/2 Cups Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

Preparation

1. Heat apple cider in crock pot on high setting. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves.
2. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for at least one hour.
3. 15 minutes before use, add orange slices to cider and heat on high setting
4. Strain cider; the remaining liquid should be free of stray cloves or orange pieces.
5. Add rum; if hesitant about strength of liquor, add slowly until desired taste is achieved.
6. Serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick and a thin orange slice.

Note: Apple cider differs from apple juice in the levels of filtration they receive. Although apple juice can be substituted in this recipe if necessary, apple cider is the best choice.

Hot Spiked and Spiced Lemonade

Lemonade isn't just for summer anymore! This take on the classic hot toddy is the perfect cure for winter chills.

Ingredients:

• 3 Quarts Water
• 2 1/2 Cups Packed Brown Sugar
• 2 Cups Lemon Juice
• 12-15 Cloves
• 1 Sliced Lemon (additional slice per serving if garnish is desired)
• 2 Cups Jack Daniels Whiskey
• Cinnamon Sticks for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in crock pot and set on low heat.
2. Allow to simmer for at least an hour. Strain lemonade to remove cloves.
3. 15 minutes before serving, add lemon slices, allowing them to float in the punch.
4. Add whiskey; if desired, add bit by bit until desired strength of liquor is achieved.
5. Serve in a mug with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Note: this recipe is also great for rained-out pool parties! If in a pinch, lemonade concentrate or sweetened powdered mix can be used in place of water, sugar, and juice.

Additional Recipes and Information:

All About Apple Cider, Fall's Favorite Drink

Mulled Apple Cider Applesauce Recipe

Hot Punch Recipes for Cold Weather (non-alcoholic)

Cinnamon Compliments Cold Weather Drinks

Hot Mulled Cider for the Holidays

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