Ruby Cranberry Warmer
A warm drink for people who find mulled cider too sweet. It is tart, spiced and the red of a stage curtain. It gives the guests who are not drinking something that feels made for them.
What you'll need
- 4 cups cranberry juice (960 ml)
- 2 cups pomegranate juice (480 ml)
- 1 cup orange juice (240 ml)
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (45 ml)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 wide strips of orange peel
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (2.5 cm)
How to make it
Put everything in a large saucepan.
Bring to a bare simmer over medium heat, then turn the heat to low and leave it for 20 minutes. Do not let it boil hard or it will turn bitter.
Strain out the spices and peel. Ladle into mugs.
Glass: Glass mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish: A thin orange wheel and three fresh cranberries in each mug.
Chef's secrets
If you use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, start with 1/3 cup (80 ml) of maple syrup and taste.
A splash of sparkling water over ice turns leftovers into a cold drink the next day.
Good to know
Make it up to three days ahead and reheat. It holds on the warm setting of a slow cooker for 3 hours once the spices are out.