Fall is about red and yellow tones, from hazy sunsets to rich harvest fruits and veggies. Nature is giving us all the antioxidants we need to get us ready for long winters – food for our minds and for our bodies. And when cranberries hit the stores, it’s a sign that holiday season is knocking at the door. I use cranberries in smoothies and cold-pressed juices, but there’s nothing like enjoying them in a festive cocktail like this gin punch.
Yesterday the cranberries caught my eye at the farmers’ market. Be it Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve – cranberries have a special place in our holiday menu. It’s not only about their gorgeous red color, but their powerful healing effects too:
– they help prevent and treat urinary tract infections
– they protect the cardio-vasculary system and the liver
– they are a good ally for treating and preventing cancer
In autumn antioxidants are everywhere! Apples, plums, persimmons, blackberries and cranberries – and when magenta, red or yellow is involved, you must immediately buy in bulk, eat raw, blend, juice or freeze for later to get the maximum benefit from the nourishing super-powers these fruits have.
Combine cranberries with lemon juice for a vitamin C kick and add ginger to enrich your drink’s anti-inflammatory powers. You can use lime instead of lemon. If you already have the ginger syrup, you’ll have the cocktail ready in just a few minutes.
Cranberry Ginger Punch
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4
A festive cocktail with a tangy taste, loaded with antioxidants - a healthier approach of the classic recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- Freshly squeezed juice from one lemon
- 1 cup gin
For the Ginger Syrup
- 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or unrefined brown sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
To serve
- Ice cubes, lemon slices and fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the ginger syrup first - place all the ingredients in a sauce pan over low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain and let cool.
- Place the cranberry juice, gin and lemon juice in a pitcher, add the cooled ginger syrup and mix well to combine.
- Fill the serving glasses with ice cubes and pour the punch evenly.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh cranberries.
Courses Drinks
So refreshing! Love your site:)
Loving this festive cocktail! Gin is so versatile, and who doesn’t live gin? I’ve been making Sloe Gin: http://www.josephinepenelope.com/make-sloe-gin/