This post is sponsored by National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon warms the soul and spirit in any season! Simmer a pot of Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider for friends and family this holiday season, it’s a hot holiday punch that is naturally sweet and delicious.

Bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices, this easy-to-make hot punch is features watermelon juice. Fresh watermelon juice is available for purchase in the produce department of many larger grocery stores, or make your own by blending cubed watermelon and straining off the pulp. Check out Watermelon.org for a great demo on how to make watermelon juice.

This warm holiday punch is primarily watermelon juice, an amazing fresh juice that offers vitamin C, lycopene, l-citrulline, and other beneficial nutrients. I also added spiced apple cider and always use the fresh, no-added-sugar, 100% juice cider from the chilled section of my market.

For a show-stopping presentation (and to make a drink that you can also snack on), add a generous amount of fruit to the pot including diced watermelon, fresh cranberries, pears and apples. Is it a fruit salad, beverage or both? You decide!!!

While simmering on the stove top, add whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves. Watermelon and cinnamon make magic together, you can even just sprinkle a little on a wedge for an instant flavor experience.  Also, allspice, nutmeg and cardamon are additional spices that would work well in this hot watermelon drink, use all mentioned or any combination you prefer! Used frequently in in hot beverages, these warming, aromatic spices are called “mulling spices.”  Add smaller bits, such as cloves and allspice, to a tea ball so that they can be easily strained out before serving. However, keep the whole cinnamon sticks in – they make fun stirrers!

Completely optional, but a nice add-in to this watermelon apple cider is a bit of brandy – it just blends in so nicely with the fruit juices and spices!   

Pro tip: For a lingering brunch gathering or holiday open house, keep the watermelon punch warmed for hours in a slow-cooker set on low.

 For more ways to enjoy watermelon during the holiday season, including more watermelon beverages and pairing suggestions perfect for a grazing tray, visit Watermelon.org .

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Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Watermelon is wonderful in every season! Ladle mugs full of this warm watermelon punch that is bejeweled with fruit and steeped with mulling spices like cinnamon and cloves!

Course: Beverage, party

Keyword: christmas, cider, entertaining, punch, spiced, watermelon

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh 100% watermelon juice
• 3 cups fresh 100% spiced apple cider
• Mulling spices of choice* including cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, grated nutmeg, cardamon
• 1 cup brandy optional
• 2 cups diced watermelon
• 1 small apple sliced crosswise and quartered
• 1 small pear sliced crosswise and quartered
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

1. In large pot or slow cooker, add watermelon juice and apple cider.
2. Add mulling spices. Cinnamon sticks and big pieces of star anise can be used whole, but smaller spices should be placed in a tea ball for easy discarding after simmering.
3. Bring juices to low simmer, for 15 minutes, allowing spices to steep. If using slow cooker, heat on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat to warm for serving.
4. If desired, add brandy in the last few minutes of cooking. Drink is equally delicious without alcohol, option is yours.
5. Ladle out and pour into mugs.

Recipe Notes

*During the holiday season, “mulling spice” blends are sometimes available in the bulk or spice aisle of store for convenience