Description
Sweet Tea Harvest Punch is a refreshing and versatile drink combining the natural sweetness of honey with the bold flavors of black tea, apple cider, and orange juice. This punch can be served cold over ice for a crisp, summery drink or warmed up as a cozy autumn beverage using slow cooker or stovetop methods. Garnished with fresh fruit slices and cinnamon sticks, it’s perfect for gatherings or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Spices
- 1 orange – thinly sliced
- 1 apple – thinly sliced
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks (food grade)
Liquid Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey (or to taste)
- 2 cups unsweetened black tea
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup apple cider
Instructions
- Prepare Fruit and Spices: Thinly slice the orange and apple. Set them aside along with the cinnamon sticks for use both as garnish and flavoring in the punch.
- Combine Ingredients for Cold Serving: In a pitcher or large punch bowl, add the orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks. Pour in the honey, unsweetened black tea, orange juice, and apple cider. Stir very well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Serve Cold: Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice. Garnish with additional fruit slices and a cinnamon stick if desired, then serve immediately for a refreshing cold drink.
- Prepare for Hot Serving with Slow Cooker Method: Add the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and honey into a slow cooker. Set the cooker on high to heat the mixture thoroughly. Once hot, reduce the heat to the warm setting to keep the punch hot and ready for serving.
- Prepare for Hot Serving with Stovetop Method: Pour the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and honey into a large saucepan or pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain warmth.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the hot punch into heat-safe glasses. Garnish with fresh orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks before serving for a comforting warm beverage.
Notes
- Store leftover punch in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before drinking to recombine any settled ingredients.
- To make a sparkling harvest punch, add half a cup of alcohol-removed Fre brut (non-alcoholic champagne) and taste before adding more.
- Non-alcoholic rum, whiskey, or tequila can also be added as zero-proof spirits. Start with a half cup and adjust to taste.
- This punch is perfect for both hot and cold serving depending on the season and preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Calories: ninety five
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
