A punch for the piccoli

The Christmas cheer usually overwhelms me right around the beginning of December. We get out the cherished decorations, adorn the front door with a wreath, and start building the anticipation with advent candles and calendars. For me, Glühwein (mulled wine) or Rumpunsch (rum punch) are as much a part of the festive season as Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and St Nicholas Day on the 6th of the month. Feeling somewhat cheated, my son asked me last year to make a special Christmas punch for the little ones. This recipe makes four cups and will keep the youngsters happy. At least for another few years…

750ml (3 cups) boiling water

3 teabags of fruit tea or, to stave off winter colds, berry and echinacea tea

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

5 cloves

strips of orange peel

250ml (1 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3 – 5 oranges, depending on their size and juiciness)

Put all the ingredients, apart from the orange juice, in a small pot and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Either strain the tea or scoop all the bits out with a slotted spoon.
Divide the orange juice equally between four cups and top up with hot spiced tea.