Description
Fall Punch with Apple Cider and Cranberry Juice is a cozy, festive drink blending crisp apple cider, tart cranberry juice, citrus brightness, and warm fall spices. Perfect for gatherings or relaxing on a cool autumn evening, it can be served chilled or warm, garnished with fresh cranberries and apple slices for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh, unfiltered apple cider
- 2 cups 100% pure cranberry juice (no added sugars)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Spices
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- Extra cinnamon sticks (optional, for presentation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Base: In a large pot or deep pan, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves, then gently heat over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the warm spices to infuse into the juice mixture.
- Sweeten the Punch: While the mixture is still warm, stir in maple syrup or honey gradually to taste. This balances the tartness from the cranberry juice and rounds out the flavors.
- Cool or Serve Warm: If serving chilled, allow the punch to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours. For a warm version, serve directly from the pot keeping it gently heated without boiling.
- Garnish and Present: Transfer the punch into a large serving bowl or pitcher. Add fresh cranberries and thin apple slices floating on top for color and festive appearance. Optionally, place cinnamon sticks in the bowl or glasses for added aroma and decoration.
Notes
- Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider and 100% pure juices for the best flavor authenticity.
- Allow cinnamon and cloves to steep well to infuse the punch with warm autumn spices.
- Add sweeteners gradually and taste-test to avoid over-sweetening.
- Serve in clear glassware to showcase the rich, festive color of the punch.
- Prepare extra punch to quickly replenish your serving bowl during gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg