Spiced Apple Punch

This is totally alcohol free, but has all the flavour of an alcoholic punch. I have had people unable to believe that it really is completely safe for the drivers at a party.

You will need a large preserving pan for this.

Ingredients

  • 4 litres apple juice
  • 4 pints/2.25 litres hot water
  • 2 scant teacups granulated sugar
  • 4 large, sharp eating apples (Granny Smith are good, Golden Delicious are too flavourless, don't use Bramley apples as you'll end up with dilute apple sauce!)
  • 6 oranges
  • 3 lemons
  • 2" / 5cm piece of cinnamon stick or 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 20+ cloves
  • ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Method

  • Put the water into the pan with the sugar and bring to the boil, stirring to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Wash all the fruit.
  • Stick the cloves into one of the oranges and add it to the pan with the rest of the spices.
  • Core the apples but do not peel them. Slice them and the rest of the fruit and add it all to the pan.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.
  • Add the apple juice, return to simmering point, taste to check for sweetness and if necessary add a little more sugar dissolved in a small amount of hot water. Serve.

If you want to make an alcoholic version of this, replace the apple juice with dry cider and add a miniature of brandy or a slosh of Calvados just before serving.