If you’ve got friends and family coming over this Christmas period for a festive gathering, the last thing you want to be worrying about is what they’ll all want to drink! Here’s a quick, easy and super-tasty solution: punch.

Yes, bring out a jug of beautiful gin-spiked cranberry punch, gently infused with fresh rosemary, refreshing fruits and with a lovely warming heat from the sweet orange liqueur, and everyone will surely be kept happy!

Even better, you can make it the morning or day before and leave yourself plenty of time for getting the house and food ready (or, you know, getting cosy in front of the TV with those advent calendar chocolates!). Enjoy!

Cranberry & Orange Christmas Punch

Serves approx. 12-15 glasses

500ml gin
320ml triple sec*
150ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
550ml cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened)
1 eating apple, sliced
1 orange, sliced
Fresh cranberries
5-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary

To make your punch, combine all of the ingredients except the rosemary and some of the cranberries to a pitcher along with a little ice, stir well, and pop into the fridge to chill for at least an hour before serving.

Just before serving, add lots of large ice cubes - you might need an extra jug. Don’t be afraid of diluting the punch: the more ice you add, and the larger the cubes, the longer the temperature of the drink will stay cold and the longer it will take for the ice to melt.

Add your remaining fresh cranberries and rosemary to the jug and serve.

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