Punch is one of the easiest ways to set the Halloween mood—all you need is a cauldron, perhaps, or a pointy black hat and ice block "hands."Not every blend of fruit juices takes well to the with-or-without option of alcohol, but the combination of sparkling cider and cranberry juice cocktail, subtly enhanced with a spice syrup, both support an optional dose of dark rum.
•To make hand-shaped ice, fill powder-free, latex-free rubber gloves with water and tie wrist end securely, then freeze.
•Syrup can be made 1 week ahead and chilled with spices. Strain before using.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 1/2 hr (includes steeping)
Yield
Makes about 3 quarts
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, water, and sugar to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep, uncovered, 1 hour.
Step 2
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids, then chill until cold.
Step 3
Combine all remaining ingredients, except ice, with syrup in a punch bowl. Add ice before serving.
Recipe notes
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