Witches Brew is a fruity, spiced punch that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. With tangy cranberry, zesty citrus, and warm spice, this drink feels festive in every sip. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear at your Thanksgiving table.
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What is Witches Brew?
Witches Brew is a playful name for a fruity, spiced punch that often makes an appearance during fall holidays. While some versions are rich and dark for Halloween, this recipe shines with a refreshing cranberry-citrus base that’s just right for Thanksgiving. It mixes brewed tea, cranberry juice, lemon, and orange juice with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a balanced drink that feels seasonal yet light.
A holiday punch with a history
This version of Witches Brew dates back to the 1960s as a family punch recipe. Over the years, it has been adjusted to include healthier ingredients and options for both kids and adults. Its lasting popularity shows how timeless fruity holiday punches can be.
Why it’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings
Thanksgiving often calls for drinks that are easy to make in big batches. Witches Brew fits the bill beautifully. It can be made ahead, chilled, and poured over ice with no fuss. The deep cranberry color looks gorgeous alongside a holiday spread, and the citrus keeps it bright against heavier foods.
Ingredients for Witches Brew
Making Witches Brew requires a short list of pantry and fridge staples. The base combines tea with cranberry, citrus juices, and a touch of spice.
Core ingredients for flavor and balance
You’ll need black or chamomile tea bags, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice, and fresh lemon juice. These bring sweet, tart, and spiced notes that balance perfectly.
Optional garnishes and variations
Orange slices with cloves, cinnamon sticks, or even star anise make lovely garnishes. For a Halloween twist, you could pair this with a spooky Halloween dinner idea like mummy meatloaf. For Thanksgiving, the natural citrus garnishes are more than enough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Witches Brew is straightforward, and most of the time is spent letting it chill.
Making the spiced tea base
Start by combining sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Stir until dissolved, then remove from heat and steep five tea bags for five minutes. Discard the tea bags and stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. This spiced tea base gives the punch its cozy undertones.
Mixing the fruit juices
In a large pitcher, mix the brewed tea with the remaining water, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is combined. The cranberry juice adds body, the citrus brings brightness, and the tea balances it all.
Chilling and serving tips
Chill the mixture for about two hours before serving. Pour over ice, and if you’d like, garnish with orange slices studded with cloves or floating cinnamon sticks. This adds aroma and makes the drink feel extra festive.
Recipe Notes and Tips
How to make it kid-friendly
Leave out whole cloves in the garnish if serving to young children since they can be a choking hazard. The punch is naturally non-alcoholic, so it’s already a family-friendly choice.
Substitutions for blood orange juice
Blood orange juice gives a richer, fruitier flavor, but regular orange juice works just as well. Grapefruit juice can add a sharper tang if you like a less sweet punch.
Storage and make-ahead advice
Witches Brew keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, make it the night before so it has plenty of time to chill. Just stir before serving since the spices may settle.
Adult Version: Cocktail Witches Brew
Recommended liqueurs to add
To turn this into a holiday cocktail, add one cup of fruit liqueur such as cherry, orange, or limoncello. Cinnamon liqueur also pairs well with the spices.
Serving ideas for holiday parties
Serve the cocktail version in a punch bowl with floating orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Pair it with creepy jello shots for parties or haunted eyeball jello shots for a playful holiday table.
Related Recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Witches Brew tea good for?
It’s soothing for digestion, calming when made with chamomile, and refreshing with citrus and cranberry.
Should Witches Brew be chilled?
Yes, this recipe tastes best after at least two hours in the fridge. Serve it cold over ice for full flavor.
What does Witches Brew do on Roblox?
On Roblox, Witches Brew is a fun potion that gives unique in-game effects. It’s unrelated to this drink recipe but shares the same playful name.
What is the significance of Witches Brew?
In food and culture, Witches Brew represents festive, magical drinks often tied to gatherings, especially Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Why this drink will be your new holiday tradition
Witches Brew combines spice, citrus, and fruit in one simple punch that everyone loves. It’s easy to prepare, naturally beautiful, and versatile enough for kids and adults.
Final serving reminder for Thanksgiving tables
Serve it chilled in a pitcher or bowl, garnish with orange slices, and let it brighten up your holiday spread. Pair it with a Pinterest board of festive drinks and treats for even more inspiration. With flavors this good, Witches Brew might just become your new family tradition.
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Witches Brew Recipe for Thanksgiving: A Festive Fall Punch
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cranberry-citrus punch with spiced tea, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Refreshing, colorful, and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
2 cups boiling water
¾ cup granulated sugar
5 tea bags (black, chamomile, peppermint, or fall-flavored recommended)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
2½ cups water
2 pints (4 cups) cranberry juice cocktail
½ cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice (or regular orange juice)
⅔ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Optional garnish: orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks
Instructions
1. Combine sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and steep tea bags in the mixture for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. In a large pitcher, mix remaining water, brewed tea, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon juice.
4. Chill in the fridge for about 2 hours.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with orange slices (with cloves inserted, if desired).
Notes
For young children, omit whole cloves due to choking risk.
If using cloves, insert them into orange slices for garnish.
Use organic ingredients when possible.
Blood orange juice gives a sweeter, fruit punch-like flavor; regular orange juice works too.
This is a 1960s family recipe updated with healthier ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving
- Method: Stovetop + Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 119
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
