The aromatic scent of cinnamon automatically brings to my mind the winter holidays-Christmas especially. A good punch is great to have on hand for any carolers in the neighborhood, or for intimate and cozy gatherings of friends and family. This recipe is non alcoholic so that many generations can enjoy. An adult version can be created by adding a spike of two of Grand Marnier or Cognac.
Cinnamon & Citrus Holiday Punch
INGREDIENTS:
Orange Reduction-
2 1/ 4 cups fresh orange juice
Strips of zest from 2 navel oranges
Three 3-inch-long cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
Punch-
3 cups fresh orange juice
2 cups fresh red grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
2 1/2 cups cold grapefruit soda (20 ounces)
Orange slices and ground cinnamon, for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
In a saucepan, boil the orange juice, zest and cinnamon sticks over moderately high heat until reduced to 1 cup, about 8 minutes. Strain and let cool.
In a large glass pitcher, combine the orange reduction with the orange and grapefruit juices and the grenadine. Stir well and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Just before serving, pour in the grapefruit soda. Dust the orange slices with cinnamon and serve in the punch.