Cup Of Cheer

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A warm, spiced citrus beverage blending grapefruit, orange, and apple cider, infused with cloves and cinnamon—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • 6 c. grapefruit juice
  • 3 c. orange juice
  • 1 qt. apple cider

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, water, cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture into a large bowl.
  4. Add grapefruit juice, orange juice, and apple cider; mix and reheat before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter beverage, consider using honey or agave syrup instead of sugar. If you prefer a spicier flavor, try adding a few slices of fresh ginger during the simmering process. You can also substitute the grapefruit juice with lemon juice for a different tartness. Make sure to serve this warm for the best experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this warm drink in mugs during gatherings or festive occasions. It pairs beautifully with snacks like Warm Potato Salad(Light And Easy) or sweet treats like Better'N Snuff Cake. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for an inviting presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the mixture into a saucepan and warm over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cup Of Cheer contains roughly 1357 calories, with 24g protein, 285g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (377% of the Daily Value), iron (205% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1026mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

1357 kcal 68% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.5g 49% DV
Total Fat 56.9g 73% DV
Carbs 285g 100% DV
Fiber 105.5g 100% DV
Sugar 71g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1026.3mg 45% DV
Potassium 4102.1mg 87% DV
Cholesterol 2.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 102.9mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 162.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 36.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the spiced syrup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply combine it with the juices and heat as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Is this drink suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This recipe is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Just ensure the drink is warm, not hot, when serving to younger children.

Can I use other juices in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or lime, or even berry juices for a different flavor profile. Just keep the overall balance of sweetness and tartness in mind.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →