Description
Crisp autumn days welcome fall punch, a spiced apple cider cocktail blending warm whiskey notes with cinnamon and clove. Festive gatherings come alive with this smooth, rich drink that perfectly captures seasonal comfort for eager guests and home mixologists.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Liquids):
- 4 cups (946 ml) apple cider
- 2 cups (473 ml) cranberry juice
- 2 cups (473 ml) orange juice
- 1 cup (237 ml) ginger ale
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) bourbon, rum, or spiced whiskey
- 1 cup (237 ml) prosecco or champagne
Spices and Sweeteners:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 2–3 star anise
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Create a flavor foundation by whisking apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale together in a spacious punch bowl or pitcher, ensuring thorough integration.
- Infuse the liquid blend with warm autumn spices by stirring maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until completely dissolved and evenly distributed.
- Enhance the punch’s visual appeal and taste profile by gently incorporating crisp apple slices, vibrant orange segments, and plump fresh cranberries throughout the mixture.
- Allow the punch to rest and develop complex flavors by refrigerating for a minimum of one hour, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their aromatic qualities.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and carefully pour the chilled punch over, creating an inviting seasonal beverage.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing each glass with additional fruit slices, a rustic cinnamon stick, or an elegant star anise pod.
- For those preferring a warm version, transfer the punch to a slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours or simmer on the stovetop for 15-20 minutes, then serve in cozy mugs for a comforting autumn experience.
Notes
- Boost the flavor by letting the punch sit longer in the refrigerator, allowing the fruit and spices to infuse more deeply, creating a richer taste profile.
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting maple syrup quantity, making it perfect for those who prefer less sugar or have dietary restrictions.
- For a non-alcoholic version, stick to the original recipe, but for an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum to elevate the fall punch experience.
- Prep fruit slices in advance and freeze them as elegant, functional ice cubes that won’t water down the punch, maintaining its robust flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg