- The caramel hardened when I poured the juice in!
- This is 'thermal shock'. The cold juice instantly cooled the hot sugar. Don't worry, keep heating gently, and the sugar will dissolve again in the juice.
- Can I add lemon juice?
- Yes, if you feel it's too sweet, a few drops of lemon juice restore the balance.
Warming honey & caramel punch
The soul of punch is usually alcohol, but here we replace flavour depth with a physical trick: caramelisation. When sugar is browned, hundreds of new flavour compounds (buttery, nutty, roasted notes) are created, providing exactly the complexity that the lack of alcohol would take away. A liquid hug in a mug.
Ingredients
500
ml
Cloudy apple juice (unfiltered is better!)
200
ml
Orange juice
2
tbsp
Honey
2
tbsp
Granulated sugar (for caramel)
2
pcs
Cinnamon stick
3
pcs
Cloves
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- High-sided saucepan (due to steam)
- Whisk
Instructions
1
✓
Sprinkle the sugar evenly on the bottom of a saucepan. Begin heating over medium flame. Do not touch with a spoon!
Tip: If you stir, the sugar crystallises and becomes lumpy. Just shake the pan until the sugar turns liquid amber colour.
2
✓
When the sugar is beautifully brown and fragrant, carefully pour in the apple juice in small portions. Careful, huge steam will rise!
Tip: The hot sugar is 160+ degrees, the apple juice is 20. The reaction will be violent, hence the high-sided pot.
3
✓
Continue heating and stirring until the solidified caramel completely dissolves in the apple juice.
4
✓
Add the orange juice, cinnamon and cloves. Heat to boiling point, but do not boil vigorously.
Tip: If you boil it, the fresh orange aromas evaporate and it will taste 'cooked'.
5
✓
Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes (for spices to infuse), then stir in the honey.
Tip: Only add honey at the end so valuable enzymes aren't damaged by excessive heat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 500 ml Cloudy apple juice (unfiltered is better!)
- 200 ml Orange juice
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 2 pcs Cinnamon stick
- 3 pcs Cloves