Use high-quality apple cider for the best flavor. Serve this punch alongside delicate Christmas sugar cookies and candied nuts.
MAKES 12 DRINKS
32 oz [960 ml] apple cider
12 oz [360 ml] club soda
4 oz [120 ml] brandy
2 oz [60 ml] orange liqueur
8 tsp confectioners’ sugar or Simple Syrup (page 23)
1/2 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
1/2 crisp red apple, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 Bosc pear, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
12 mint sprigs, for garnish
Fill a large punch bowl with ice. Pour in the apple cider, club soda, brandy, and orange liqueur. Add the sugar, then stir vigorously. Float the fruit on top. Serve in red wineglasses, or another glass with a wide rim, garnished with a mint sprig.