Fall Punch Recipe

This fall punch recipe with a cranberry zing is sure to be a hit at any party or holiday function. By using an ice ring made by preparing and freezing a ring mold pan with six cups of water, orange slice halves and whole cranberries; this tasty punch recipe is an elegant choice to grace any table as a stunning centerpiece when placed on a contrasting colored tablecloth. The ice ring can be frozen days in advance for easier preparation. The following punch recipe makes 30 four ounce servings.

Ingredients:

• 2-12 oz cans frozen cranberry juice concentrate (thawed)
• 1/2-1 liter lemon-lime carbonated beverage or sparkling water (chilled)
• Optional: prepared frozen ice ring
• Optional: plain or cranberry-flavored vodka

1. Mix the juices. Combine 2-12 oz cans of thawed frozen cranberry juice concentrate with 2-24 oz bottles of unsweetened white grape juice in a punch bowl.
2. Add sparkle.  Just before serving, add 1/2-1 liter of a lemon-lime carbonated beverage or sparkling water. 
3. Top with the ice ring. Carefully add the ice ring to the prepared fall punch recipe.
4. Optional alcoholic ingredient. Plain or cranberry-flavored vodka may be added to the punch to the desired taste or simply placed near the punch bowl for guests to add their own. 
5. Serve. Ladle into cups to serve.

Tips and Warnings:

• Because the juices and carbonated beverages are pre-sweetened; it is unnecessary to add sugar or sugar syrups. For those watching their sugar intake, one of the many sugar-free alternatives may be substituted in place of any of the liquid ingredients.
• All alcoholic beverages should be clearly labeled, especially when served in a punch bowl to avoid under age children from having access. Providing one punch bowl for alcoholic and one for non-alcoholic punch is optimal.