Holiday Apple Punch, Hot or Cold

A festive, non-alcoholic cocktail for the holidays that makes 8 - 10 servings (Approximately 40 oz)

* If you can make ahead of time the taste is more flavorful after it “marries” for a day in the fridge. Any leftover punch will also need to be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Fair warning... this won't last long.

Ingredients:

4 lb apples (sweeter the better), diced into 1/2” pieces (or apples and pears)
2 small oranges peeled and thickly sliced
6 cups apple juice (or part white wine)
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (or to taste)
2 inch piece of ginger, sliced into coins
1 cinnamon stick (3”)
2 pieces star anise (optional)

Directions:

Don't bother peeling or coring the apples/pears. You'll be straining the liquid later.

Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Push Pressure Cook (or Manual) and adjust time using the + and - buttons to get to 8 minutes. When it beeps that it's done, leave the pot closed until the pin drops. This can take half an hour or more.

When the pin drops, open the pot. Strain the mixture to remove the solids.

Serve hot as mulled apple cider or cold as a refreshing beverage.