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Lighter Maple Bourbon Friendsgiving Punch

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A lighter, naturally sweetened holiday punch with bourbon, maple syrup, chai tea, and fresh citrus. Perfect for Friendsgiving gatherings, this crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to make ahead and can be adapted for a non-alcoholic version.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–5 lemons)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) strong brewed chai tea, cooled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chilled sparkling water or club soda
  • Ice (large block or ice ring recommended)
  • For garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

  1. Brew and cool the chai tea: In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add 2-3 chai tea bags, and steep for 5-7 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool completely (refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to speed up).
  2. Mix the base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine cooled chai tea, bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and cranberry juice. Whisk or stir until maple syrup is fully dissolved. If syrup is thick, warm gently for 10 seconds in the microwave.
  3. Chill thoroughly: Cover and refrigerate the base for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Prepare garnishes and ice: Slice one orange into thin rounds. Wash rosemary sprigs. If making an ice ring, prepare and freeze in a bundt pan with water, cranberries, and rosemary.
  5. Add fizz and serve: Just before serving, add ice to the pitcher. Pour in chilled sparkling water and stir gently. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as needed.
  6. Garnish and pour: Float orange slices, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries on top. Pour into ice-filled glasses or directly into glasses if using a large ice ring.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling step—it allows flavors to meld. Use a large ice ring to prevent dilution. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep it fizzy. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add extra sparkling water. The base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Friendsgiving punch, maple bourbon punch, holiday cocktail, lighter punch, bourbon punch recipe, easy holiday drink

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/lighter-maple-bourbon-friendsgiving-punch-easy-holiday-recipe/