A festive combination of cranberry juice, apple juice, and orange juice come together in this slow cooker hot cranberry punch recipe. This spiced party punch is great for the holidays or for cozying up after being out in chilly weather!

Why this recipe works

This hot cranberry punch recipe is the perfect beverage for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. It’s slightly sweet but balanced well with the anise and cinnamon sticks, filling your room with its warmly spiced aroma. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker which means it comes together in a snap and is easy to make ahead of time and take with you to a party.

While cranberry holiday punch is our go-to adult beverage, this hot cranberry punch is nonalcoholic and kid-friendly which means everyone can enjoy a steamy cup of fall-inspired flavors. It’s simply a mixture of cranberry juice, apple juice, and orange juice with a bit of sugar and a few slices of oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cranberries for an extra kick of flavor and a pretty presentation.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

JUICE – We are using orange juice concentrate, but you can substitute it with 2 cups of regular orange juice if desired. The orange juice concentrate will pack a nice punch of flavor compared to regular orange juice. The choice is yours between apple juice or apple cider. I recommend 100% cranberry juice as the star ingredient, so skip the sugar-packed juices at the grocery store if possible!

ADDITIONS – Wash oranges prior to adding to the punch and use organic fruit to ensure unwanted pesticides aren’t soaking in your punch. If the fruit and spices sit in the punch for a long time while it is being served (like throughout a dinner party or potluck, etc.) the punch will become overly spiced and the orange rind may add bitterness to the punch. I would recommend removing the fruit and spices used for steeping after the 2 hour cook time. Add fresh fruit and spices for serving.

How to Make Hot Cranberry Punch

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Add orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon sticks and star anise to the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add the apple juice and cranberry juice to the crock. Add orange slices and cranberries and cover with the lid.
Cook on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugars dissolve and disperse throughout the punch. Serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, you can certainly halve the recipe. I would still use 1 full orange, 1 cup of cranberries, two cinnamon sticks, and one star anise even if the juice and sugar amounts are reduced.

How do I store leftovers?

Store hot cranberry punch, strained from any fruits and spices, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Serving Suggestions

Hot cranberry punch can also be enjoyed cold over ice, it’s delicious either way. Serve with a fresh garnish of cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise if desired. This punch pairs well with your classic Thanksgiving or Christmas meal or served alongside a meat and cheese board at a party. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a cup of crockpot cranberry punch. Enjoy!

More Holiday Drink Recipes

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