This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PassTheMilos http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I wouldn’t be the southern woman I am today without gallons of sweet tea and gumption as a dominant gene. Groomed to be refined yet resourceful in every way, my holiday parties always include a pretty-as-punch bowl filled with my favorite Milo’s Tea concoction and show-stopping ice ring made with a few simple ingredients from the icebox and herb garden. And, unlike many libations served this time of year, sweet tea is a drink that the entire family can enjoy. 

You absolutely MUST make my Citrus Cranberry Tea Punch and Holiday Ice Ring this Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years or whenever! Not only is it a beverage, but can double up as a stunning. simple and super budget-friendly centerpiece for any celebration:Of course, this festive centerpiece is going to be slurped away by family and friends quicker than the ice ring can melt down. That’s why I keep a couple extra gallons of Milo’s Tea and juice in the cooler to refresh the punch bowl, likitysplit. You are missing out on an award-winning, bona fide good thing if you’ve never tried Milo’s Tea. It’s fresh brewed, features natural ingredients and zero preservatives, added acids or fake coloring. The sweetened with pure cane sugar variety is super famous, but there are no calorie and unsweet options available too — as well as lemonade and tea/lemonade blend.  And, I do declare, it’s quite convenient to not break a sweat brewing your own!  And, you go girl, Milo’s Tea is a woman-owned, family business from Alabama that’s been around since 1946.  Drink Milo’s and taste the difference! 

So, let me share the how-to on Citrus Cranberry Tea Punch and Holiday Ice Ring. The tea punch is as simple as mixing together Milo’s Tea with a bit of ginger ale and cranberry juice – that’s it, three ingredients! My punch bowl holds about 2 gallons of liquid in addition to the ice ring, but you can do a little math to easily scale this recipe up or down to accommodate the size of your shindig.

Do NOT be scared of making the ice ring, it’s just as easy as the tea punch. Ice rings are one of those little holiday secrets I hold near and dear to my heart (and, oops, am now blabbing about today). The end result looks like loads of time, effort and money was spent to delight guests, but, in reality the easy-peasy ice ring is a real blessing on your nerves and pocketbook.

Simply round up a vessel to use as the mold for what is, in essence, a super-sized, decorative ice cube. I used a vintage wreath-shaped Jello mold (told ya I was southern), but a Bundt pan or pie dish can work in a pinch. Next take slices of limes and lemons and lay around in clusters in a circular shape. Sprinkle in some cranberries here and there and then tuck in an abundance of mint leaves from the grocer or garden (my herb garden is still green as it’s been 75 degrees in December)! After the holiday “wreath” is arranged to your liking, VERY gently pour in a half-and-half mixture of lemonade and ginger ale (or non-alcoholic ginger beer if you love a super blast of ginger like me). Clear out a shelf in the freezer and carefully place the mold in to freeze overnight. To serve, just set out on the counter for a couple minutes until it is ready to slip out of the container and right into the punch. 

You will not believe how even MORE amazing the tea punch becomes when the gingery, minty lemonade starts to melt in! Gather your guests ‘round and ladle into tall glasses filled with ice and toast, ‘May every heart and cup be full and sweet.”

BTW, I found Milo’s at my local Randall’s / Safeway in the refrigerated juice and dairy section but they are available at lots of retailers. Find a store near you by using the store locator.”

Are you a sweet tea fan? Ever made an ice ring? What is your go-to holiday beverage? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer  

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PassTheMilos http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

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Citrus Cranberry Tea Punch and Holiday Ice Ring

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

1 d 10 mins

 

Pump up your punch bowl with holiday swag with a sweet tea inspired libation and easy DIY ice ring wreath that's simple, showy and super frugal for Christmas and winter celebration entertaining.

Course: Beverage, Fruit

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16 16-oz servings

Ingredients

For Ice Ring (make day before):

• 4 large lemons
• 4 large limes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 large bunches fresh mint
• 1 quart (approx) Milo's lemonade
• 1 quart (approx) ginger ale

For Punch:

• 6 quarts Milo's Tea 6 quarts
• 2 quarts ginger ale
• 1 quart Milo's lemonade
• 1 quart cranberry juice

Instructions

1. For Ice Ring: Start 24 hours minimum before serving. Cut lemons and limes into thin slices crosswise and line in clusters in wreath-shaped gelatin mold, bundt pan or pie dish. Tuck mint sprigs under slices to resemble wreath greenery and sprinkle cranberries about. Very carefully (as to not overly disturb fruit) pour lemonade and ginger ale to fill mold. Fruit and mint will float to top; leave at least 1/2" clearance at top. Depending on your size mold, you may have to use more or less ingredients as listed. Place in freezer and freeze for 24 hours.
2. For Punch: In 10 quart punch bowl, mix together COLD tea, ginger ale, lemonade and cranberry juice (ice ring will last longer if punch is cold). For more or less punch, scale recipe to fit your needs and size of punch bowl.
3. To serve: Remove ice ring from freezer and set on counter for 2 to 5 minutes to help release from mold. Place in punch, fruit and mint side up. Ladle into tall glasses filled with ice and serve with bits of mint and fruit.