Winter Spice Punch

by Cindi Sutter, Founder of The Spirited Table® - Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen

Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients

For the Winter Spice Simple Syrup:
5 cinnamon sticks
1 whole star anise
1 tsp whole cloves
1 cup raw sugar
1 cup water, just off the boil

For the Cocktail:
Two 750mL bottles pear cider (such as 2014 Poiré "Authentique," Bordelet)
½ bottle Oloroso sherry
3 oz winter spice simple syrup
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz fresh orange juice
8 dashes Angostura bitters
Peels from 1 orange
1 pear, thinly sliced lengthwise
Ice

Instructions

1. Make the winter spice simple syrup: In a quart container, add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves and sugar. Add the hot water and stir with a fork until the sugar is dissolved. Set to the side for 20 to 30 minutes until completely cool, then strain off the liquid.
2. Make the cocktail: In a large punch bowl, add all of the liquids and gently stir to combine. Squeeze the oils from the orange peels before adding and float the pear slices on top. Ladle into ice-filled rocks glasses and serve.