Making a good cocktail at home always feels special, especially when I stumble across a recipe that fuses bold flavors with simple steps. The Orange Clove Whiskey Punch is an easy yet impressive drink that mixes the smooth taste of whiskey with fresh orange and warm spices.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves classic cocktails like the whiskey sour or an orange whiskey sour.
Whenever I want something a bit different from the usual bourbon cocktail, this punch brings to mind favorites like an orange crush cocktail, maple old fashioned, or even a cozy cranberry orange whiskey sour.
Each sip brings together sweet, tart, and spicy notes. It works well for get-togethers or just a quiet night in.
If you’re curious about orange cocktails or on the hunt for new cocktail recipes, you’ll probably enjoy trying this at home.
The hint of clove makes it pop compared to a regular ward 8 or other cranberry cocktails.
Orange Clove Whiskey Punch Cocktail Recipe
I love how this Orange Clove Whiskey Punch blends whiskey, fresh citrus, and simple spices.
To make it, I use just a handful of tools, a flavorful set of ingredients, and a straightforward process for the perfect punch.
Equipment
- Punch bowl or large pitcher for mixing and serving
- Cocktail shaker (optional, but I like using one for smaller batches)
- Muddler to gently press the citrus and spices
- Measuring jigger for precise amounts
- Sharp knife and cutting board to slice fresh orange and lemon
- Citrus juicer to squeeze out juice
- Mixing spoon for stirring everything together
- Glasses for serving
- Ice cubes to chill the punch
- Small sieve or strainer (if I want to remove pulp or spice bits)
- Zester for orange peel garnish (if I want a fresh finish)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whiskey (I usually use Bulleit bourbon)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (100% pure cranberry works best)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed is great)
- 1 large fresh orange (sliced into wheels)
- 6-8 whole cloves
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 2 cups soda water or more to taste
- Ice cubes
- Optional: extra orange slices, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks for serving
Instructions
- Add orange wheels, lemon juice, and whole cloves to the punch bowl.
- Gently muddle to release flavors from the citrus and spices.
- Pour in whiskey, orange juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir with a long spoon until the mixture blends well.
- Add lots of ice cubes to chill the punch.
- Top with soda water and give another gentle stir.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with more syrup or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish glasses with orange slices and a stick of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serve right away so the punch stays cold and fresh.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (optional, for smaller batches)
- Measuring jigger
- Small sieve or strainer (optional)
- Zester (optional, for garnish)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whiskey bourbon or rye
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup cranberry juice 100% pure
- ¼ cup simple syrup or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 large orange sliced into wheels
- 6 –8 whole cloves
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 2 cups soda water
- Ice cubes as needed
- Optional garnishes: extra orange slices cranberries, cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Gently muddle the citrus and spices to release their flavors.
- Stir thoroughly with a mixing spoon until everything is well combined.
- Add a generous amount of ice cubes to chill the mixture.
- Top with soda water and stir gently to blend.
- Taste and adjust with more syrup or lemon juice, depending on sweetness or tartness preference.
- Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Notes
I find using fresh orange juice makes the flavor a lot brighter and more natural than store-bought juice.
Maple syrup gives a deeper sweetness, but simple syrup works fine too.
If I’m making a big batch for a party, I mix everything but the soda and ice ahead of time, then add those just before guests arrive.
For a more citrusy kick, I’ll add some orange zest or muddle in a few extra orange peels.
If I want the punch less sweet, I swap some or all of the cranberry juice for pure cranberry or just add more soda.
The recipe is easy to tweak—if I use rye whiskey or a different bourbon, the cocktail turns out warmer and spicier.
The garnish looks nice in the glass and gives off a little extra aroma.
Leftover punch will keep cold in the fridge for a day, but honestly, it’s best fresh.
Tasting Notes
When I sip the Orange Clove Whiskey Punch, the first thing that hits me is the scent of fresh oranges mixed with warm clove spice.
It instantly makes me think of cozy holiday gatherings and Christmas cocktails.
The flavors blend together in a way that’s smooth but with a little boldness.
I taste the whiskey right away, but it doesn’t overpower. Instead, there’s a gentle kick balanced by sweet citrus from the orange.
Warmth and spice from the cloves come through, making the drink feel extra special—almost like a classic punch you’d serve at a holiday party.
The punch isn’t too sweet or too strong.
I can easily picture serving this cocktail at a winter or Christmas gathering. It feels festive, bright, and comforting all at once.
When I serve it chilled with ice, it stays refreshing.
Sometimes I’ll add a slice of orange or a few whole cloves as garnish for a nice touch.
Substitute
Sometimes I run out of whiskey—or, honestly, just get curious and want to shake things up. There are a few easy swaps I use in my Orange Clove Whiskey Punch.
Other Alcohol Choices:
- Brandy: Sweet, smooth, and just a bit softer if you want a milder punch.
- Southern Comfort: Brings in a little fruity warmth and a spiced kick.
- Champagne or Wine: If I’m after something lighter and a bit bubbly, I’ll reach for champagne or wine instead of whiskey.
Vegetarian Note:
Most versions of this drink are vegetarian. I always double-check that the wine or champagne doesn’t sneak in gelatin or any animal-based stuff.
Margarita Flair:
For a twist, I’ll sometimes splash in a bit of margarita mix. It gives the punch a tangy, citrus pop, but doesn’t overpower everything else.
I just mix and match with whatever’s hanging out in my kitchen. That way, I can whip up a punch pretty much any time the mood strikes.
