Print

Fall Punch with Apple Cider and Cranberry Juice

Fall Punch with Apple Cider and Cranberry Juice
Print Recipe

This Fall Punch with Apple Cider and Cranberry Juice is a cozy and vibrant drink perfect for autumn gatherings. Combining the natural sweetness of apple cider with the tartness of cranberry juice and bright citrus notes from orange juice, it offers a warm yet refreshing beverage. Enhanced with spices like cinnamon and cloves or allspice, and garnished with fresh sliced fruit, this punch brings festive warmth, rich colors, and comforting flavors ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% pure)
  • 1 cup orange juice (100% pure)

Spices

  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves or 1 teaspoon whole allspice

Fresh Fruit Garnish

  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale (for fizz)
  • 1/2 cup spiced rum (for adult version)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for herbal infusion)
  • Fresh ginger slices or ginger beer (for a ginger kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spices and Heat the Base: In a large pot, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 6 whole cloves or 1 teaspoon of whole allspice. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently, allowing the spices to infuse the cider with their warm aroma. Avoid boiling to preserve the fresh flavors.
  2. Add the Juices: Reduce the heat and stir in 2 cups of cranberry juice and 1 cup of orange juice. These juices provide the punch with bright tartness and citrus freshness, balancing the sweetness of the apple cider.
  3. Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter punch, add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey gradually, tasting as you go to reach your desired sweetness level. This step is optional but adds a lovely natural sugar touch.
  4. Add Fresh Fruit and Simmer: Add sliced apples and oranges to the pot. Allow the punch to simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes so the fruit flavors mingle and soften.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the spices before serving. Ladle the punch into mugs or glasses and garnish with fresh apple slices, orange wheels, or cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation. For a fizzy finish, add sparkling water or ginger ale just before serving if desired.

Notes

  • Use 100% pure cranberry and orange juices for the best natural flavors.
  • Don’t overpower with too many spices; let the flavors complement rather than compete.
  • Simmer gently and avoid boiling to preserve fresh juice flavors and prevent bitterness.
  • Sweeten gradually after warming to avoid making it too sugary.
  • Store leftover punch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
  • Frozen fruit may degrade in texture; freeze liquid portion in ice cube trays if desired.
  • Customize with additions like spiced rum, fresh herbs, or ginger for varied flavor twists.
  • Serve in a clear punch bowl with floating fruit slices and cranberries for a stunning presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall punch, apple cider punch, cranberry juice punch, autumn drink, holiday punch, spiced punch, non-alcoholic punch, cozy drink

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/fall-punch-with-apple-cider-and-cranberry-juice/