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Thanksgiving Happy Hour: Cranberry Punch - Two Ways

Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving, and whether you’ve got some down time before the storm OR are already in the middle of it, I’ve got two great recipes for a festive holiday punch!

Got some time on your hands tonight? Whip up a Scarlet Punch, courtesy of Forbes.com (I know, WTF?!). Here’s what you need:

• 1 bottle cranberry juice
• 1 bottle Sparking apple cider (such as Martinelli’s)
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 1 tbsp whole allspice
• 1 orange
• apple, cranberries  or other decorative fruits (optional)

Heat your whole cloves and allspice in a saute pan over medium heat until they become fragrant - be careful not to let them burn, this should only take a few minutes.

Once that’s done, pour the cranberry juice into a pitcher and then add the spices. Cut your orange into wheels and add to pitcher as well. Put it in the fridge overnight to let the flavors meld.

When you’re ready to serve on Turkey Day, transfer the juice to a pretty serving bowl (or keep it in the pitcher, depends on how fancy you want to be). Top with half a bottle of the sparkling cider, and leave some booze out for your guests to spike their glass as they see fit. I recommend bourbon or spiced rum.

Will the guests arrive in an hour and you don’t have anything ready? Try this simple Cranberry Cocktail recipe instead:

• 1 64-ounce bottle cranberry juice
• 1 large can lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1 2-liter bottle of ginger ale
• whole cranberries

Mix it all together in your pitcher/punch bowl and garnish with the whole cranberries. Leave out vodka or your booze of choice for your guests. Alternately, you could probably replace the ginger ale with a bottle of sparkling wine for something a little less alcoholic.

No matter what you end up serving, I hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving!

More awesome holiday punches from Marissa. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!