This Christmas Punch recipe is definitely going to make it on to our menu this time of year. Every year about this time we round up some new recipes that we create specifically for sharing together as a family. We make several batches of drinks, beginning the first week or two of December, that we drink through the month. We drink them on Christmas movie night, Christmas Eve, and any time we celebrate the season. You can make this recipe for just one occasion, or a big batch the keeps well in a pitcher in the fridge. Just heat up one glass whenever you need it.
Hot Christmas Tea
Equipment
- 1 Large Saucepan or a 5 qt. plus Dutch Oven will work too.
Ingredients
- ½ Gallon Apple Cider
- 2 cups Ginger Ale
- 2 Lemons sliced
- 1 pkg Red Hots about 4oz.
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1-2 Star Anise
- 2-3 Large Tea Bags (Sun Tea bags work best). Depending on how potent you would like it.
- ½ tbsp Whole Cloves
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring all of the ingredients to a slow simmer on low.
- After about 15-20 minutes remove and discard the tea bags. Continue to simmer until everything is warmed through, don't bring to a boil.
- Stir occasionally to keep the red hots from sticking to the bottom.
- Reduce heat to warm and enjoy! The house will smell amazing!
- You can garnish the glass with extra lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries. This is best served hot.
Video
Notes
- You can also make this in a crockpot by adding all the ingredients and keep warm. Add the tea bags and allow 15-20 minutes to steep before serving. Leaving the tea bags too long may cause them to break down.
- You can also make a batch, let it cool, and put it in a pitcher in the fridge. This way you can warm up one glass at a time.
- If storing in the fridge, once simmered, remove lemons, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves before placing in a pitcher. Those will not store well for long periods of time.
- Ours will last a good week in the fridge with no issues.
Ingredients
- ½ Gallon Apple Cider
- 2 cups Ginger Ale
- 2 Lemons (sliced)
- 1 pkg Red Hots (about 4oz.)
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1-2 Star Anise
- 2-3 Large Tea Bags (Sun Tea bags work best). Depending on how potent you would like it.
- ½ tbsp Whole Cloves
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring all of the ingredients to a slow simmer on low.
- After about 15-20 minutes remove and discard the tea bags. Continue to simmer until everything is warmed through, don’t bring to a boil.
- Stir occasionally to keep the red hots from sticking to the bottom.
- Reduce heat to warm and enjoy! The house will smell amazing!
- You can garnish the glass with extra lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries. This is best served hot.
Let the warmth of this Christmas Tea linger a bit longer and settle into the quiet corners of your home. It’s a simple ritual, but one that brings everyone just a little closer and reminds us why these small traditions matter. We also invite you to try Christmas Punch, Lime Snowdrift Punch, or Christmas Cranberry Clusters to help continue your Christmas season. Wishing you a holiday filled with calm mornings, soft moments, and a cup that never quite runs dry.
