Description

This Thanksgiving Cranberry Cobbler Punch is a festive and refreshing cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a homemade cranberry syrup infused with cinnamon and orange zest, combined with cranberry and apple juices, bourbon, orange liqueur, and champagne, this punch balances sweet, tart, and warm flavors to delight your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Syrup

1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cinnamon stick
Zest from 1 large orange
1/2 cup water

Punch

6 cups 100% cranberry juice or cranberry pomegranate juice
2 cups apple cider
8 ounces (1 cup) bourbon
3 ounces (1/3 cup) orange liqueur
2 dashes orange bitters
4 cinnamon sticks
1–2 star anise (optional)
1 orange, sliced
Ice, for serving
1 bottle (750 ml) champagne

Garnish

Star anise, for garnish
Sugared cranberries (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cranberry Syrup: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, maple syrup, brown sugar, fresh cranberries, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and boil for about 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the orange zest. If the syrup thickens too much, add a little more water to achieve desired consistency. Let the syrup cool. For a smoother syrup, strain out the cranberries before proceeding.
Prepare the Punch: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix together the cooled cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, apple cider, bourbon, orange liqueur, and orange bitters. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Add the remaining cinnamon sticks and star anise to infuse additional warmth and aroma. Chill the punch mixture until ready to serve.
Serve the Punch: Just before serving, fill a punch bowl with ice and pour the chilled punch over it. Slowly add the bottle of champagne to give the punch a sparkling finish. Stir gently to combine. Add the orange slices into the punch for color and flavor. Serve by filling cocktail glasses with ice and ladling the punch over. Garnish individual glasses or the punch bowl with star anise and sugared cranberries if desired for an extra festive touch.

Notes

You can strain the syrup to remove cranberry pieces for a smoother texture, or leave them in for added texture and flavor.
Adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar and maple syrup amounts to your preference.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon, orange liqueur, and champagne; substitute with extra cranberry juice and sparkling water.
Best served immediately after mixing with champagne to keep the bubbles fresh.
Use fresh cranberries and high-quality 100% cranberry or cranberry-pomegranate juice for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry punch, Thanksgiving cocktail, holiday punch, bourbon punch, sparkling punch, cranberry cobbler punch, festive cocktail