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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.
Course Beverages
Cuisine Global Fusion
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
chill time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
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.