Exotic Citrus Solstice Punch
Bright, spiced, and vibrant — this ruby punch blends fresh citrus with hibiscus, warming clove, and a whisper of rosewater. Designed to awaken the senses and welcome winter’s light with elegance and balance.
Servings 8 servings (about 6 oz per serving)
Calories 12kcal
Ingredients
- Base Punch
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 tbsp dried hibiscus petals food-grade
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 strips orange peel no pith
- 1 strip lemon peel
- ½ tsp grated fresh ginger or a few thin slices
- 1½ cups fresh citrus juice blend:
- 1 cup blood orange or navel orange juice
- ½ cup lemon or lime juice
- 🍯 Flavor Enhancers
- 2 –3 tsp Swerve® or allulose syrup to taste
- 1 tsp rosewater food-grade
- Optional: ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 🍸 Optional Spirited Variation
- ½ cup dry prosecco vodka, or white rum (added after chilling)
- 💎 Garnish
- Citrus slices blood orange, lime, lemon
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Pomegranate arils or star anise pods optional for visual flair
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew the Hibiscus Base
- In a saucepan, combine water, hibiscus, cloves, cinnamon stick, citrus peels, and ginger.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then turn off heat. Cover and steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain and cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: Assemble Punch
- Combine brewed infusion with fresh citrus juices.
- Stir in sweetener, rosewater, and optional vanilla.
- Chill for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
- Step 3: Serve
- Pour into a glass pitcher or punch bowl over ice.
- Garnish with citrus wheels, pomegranate arils, and fresh mint.
- Serve in coupe or glass mugs with a cinnamon stick stirrer if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per 6 oz serving, non-alcoholic)
(FDA-compliant, estimated)- Calories: 12
- Total Fat: 0 g
-
Carbohydrate: 4 g
- Sugar Alcohols: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Caffeine: 0 mg
Alcohol version will add ~60–80 calories per serving depending on spirit.
📦 Storage & Batch Use
- Chilled: 3 days refrigerated
- Make-ahead tip: Keep citrus juice separate until serving for brightness
- Garnish: Add fresh just before serving for crisp presentation
✨ Botanical & Culinary Notes
- Hibiscus contributes deep crimson color and tart complexity
- Clove + cinnamon evoke holiday warmth without heaviness
- Citrus juice delivers both acid and brightness — blood orange gives luxurious depth
- Rosewater adds exotic floral lift; optional vanilla creates creamy roundness
- Allulose or Swerve keeps it low-glycemic and perfectly balanced
🛡️ Consumer Safety Note
⚠️ Notice: This punch contains food-grade botanicals including clove, rosewater, and hibiscus. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or sensitive to floral ingredients should consult a healthcare professional before consuming concentrated herbal infusions. Always use food-grade, culinary-safe rosewater.
