Need a warm drink for both kids and adults? Try this slow cooker hot cranberry fruit punch that’s perfect for a large party crowd!
Growing up in Hawaii with hot and humid weather, hot cocoa was the extent of my holiday drink knowledge. Hot drinks just wasn’t a thing and you’re more than likely to find cold fruit punch or chilled drinks at most Hawaii holiday parties.
Since moving away from Hawaii, I finally understand the love for hot drinks. When it gets chilly, there really is something wonderful about warming your body with a hot drink. You can feel the heat of the cup and the warmth of the drink travelling down your throat and warming your chest. It just feels good and I get it now.
This slow cooker cranberry fruit punch is a wonderful hot drink that can serve both kids and adults. The secret is setting out a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc next to the hot punch for the adults to add a splash (or more) to their drink if they choose, while keeping the punch PG friendly for the kiddos. A few other great things about this recipe is that it can serve a decent size gathering and can also be served over ice!
Slow Cooker Hot Cranberry Fruit Punch
Make this tangy and sweet spiced hot cranberry fruit punch in the slow cooker for a large crowd. Alcohol can be added for adults and made non-spiked for the kids. This punch can be served over ice for cold drinks.
Ingredients
- 64 oz. cranberry juice (8 cups)
- 5 cups water*
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 oz. frozen lemonade ( 1/2 of a 12 oz. can)
- 2 - 12 oz. cans frozen orange juice
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/2 - 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 lemon or orange, washed and sliced**
- 4-7 star anise
- Optional - bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for adults
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a large 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Note: for only a hint of spice, add 4 star anise, for a more intense flavor add 7.
- Cook on high for 3 - 4 hours, stirring the punch after about 1 or 2 hours. Remove and toss out the star anise spice.
- For presentation, serve the hot cranberry fruit punch in glass mugs with some of the cranberries and slice of fruit. Optional to add in a cinnamon stick.
- For adults, leave out a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc ( I use Dry Creek Fume Blanc) for them to add a splash of it in their drink.
Notes
*Add more water after 4 hours cook time if you feel the punch is too sweet. Do 1/2 cup at a time.
**Can use a combo of lemon and orange slices. Optional to add 6-7 cloves for a very spiced punch.
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This is an amazing fix, with so many delicious and healthy ingredients, cranberry, orange, lemon, a great drink during winters.