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Make Red Hots Punch in your slow cooker. The punch has cranberry juice, pineapple juice, red hot cinnamon candies, and cinnamon sticks. Some call this Warm Christmas Punch Or Hot Cinnamon Punch.
It’s not a holiday unless you have a crockpot full of something warm and cozy. We love making Red Hots Punch, Wassail, Fireball Apple Cider, Mint Hot Chocolate on a chilly day.
Table of Contents
What are Red Hots?
Red Hots Cinnamon Candy are little red hard candies that taste like spicy cinnamon. You aren’t supposed to chew them. Instead, you savor them like a mint. We will make a homemade cinnamon punch with these candies and will have the most beautiful red-colored hot drink!
Recipe Ingredients
- Cranberry Juice – This will add a tart flavor to the punch.
- Pineapple Juice – Will sweeten the punch and add a tangy citrus flavor. You can use orange juice if you do not have pineapple.
- Red Hot Candies – These you can find on the candy aisle of your store. They have a artifical cinnmon flavor, though we can’t resist it’s peppery flavor! If you can’t find these, you can use the off brand sometimes called cinnamon imperials. You can use Atomic Fireball Candies, or hot tamales if desired.
- Cinnamon Sticks – Adds a fresh and real cinnamon flavor to the drink and makes a wonderful garnish.
- Optional Garnish – To dress up the punch in the slow cooker add pineapple rings and cranberries.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Add the cranberry juice and pineapple juice to the crockpot. Add the cinnamon sticks.
Step Two – Next, measure out a 1/2 cup of red hot candies, add to the slow cooker and stir. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. Stir to dissolve the candies when the cooking time is up. Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving. If desired, garnish with pineapple rings and cranberries.
Variations
There is no wrong way to make a hot drink with red hots! Try one of these variations or create your own.
- Red Hot Cider – Substitute the cranberry juice and the pineapple for all apple cider or juice.
- Red Hot Raspberry Punch – Use cranberry raspberry juice in this recipe and garnish with fresh raspberries.
- Spiked Red Hot Punch – Serve the punch with Fireball Whiskey or plain vodka for a boozy kick.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, Red Hots are hot candies; it’s a different kind of heat than a hot pepper since they are made from artificial ingredients and are sweet.
If you want a more natural flavored cider or punch, use one teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead of the red hots. You’ll have a more classic cider or punch.
You can cut the amount of red hot candies in half for a tamer punch. You can always add more later, for they will melt quickly once the punch has come to temperature.
Add additional pineapple or cranberry juice if you have it. If you do not have either, add some water.
Place the cooled punch in the fridge. You can serve it cold mixed with alcohol (like a martini!), or reheat a mug-full the microwave.
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Red Hots Punch
Ingredients
- 6 cups pineapple juice
- 6 cups cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup Red Hots cinnamon candies, can use any brand of cinnamon candies such as cinnamon imperials, Atomic Fireballs, or Hot Tamales.
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Optional for serving
- pineapple slices, for garnish
- fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the pineapple juice and cranberry juice into your slow cooker slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add the Red Hots and cinnamon sticks. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, or until hot and the candies are melted.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and stir well.
- Garnish with pineapple rings and fresh cranberries if desired.
Sarah’s Notes
- Red Hot Cider – Substitute the cranberry juice and the pineapple for all apple cider or juice.
- Red Hot Raspberry Punch – Use cranberry raspberry juice in this recipe and garnish with fresh raspberries.
- Spiked Red Hot Punch – Serve the punch with Fireball Whiskey or plain vodka for a boozy kick.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.