Apple Cider Punch

Hoca · Oct 19, 2024

Apple Cider Punch is the ultimate fall drink! Made with three main ingredients, it's quick to prepare and perfect for your next holiday party or to serve at thanksgiving dinner.

apple cider punch in a glass with ice and a cinnamon stick

I love a good cocktail, but even more than that, I love a good mocktail, and the good news is that this Apple Cider Punch recipe can be both!

Typically, I crave my cinnamon tequila sour or my honey pear margarita when the weather gets cooler. But lately, I've been enjoying making this punch recipe, mostly because it's just as delicious sans alcohol.

Recipe features

Made with only three simple ingredients: apple cider, orange juice ginger beer.
Can be made as a fall-festive cocktail or mocktail.
The perfect fall drink to bring to your next holiday party or friendsgiving!

Ingredients

Apple cider - This recipe is called apple cider punch, so I do suggest using apple cider instead of apple juice. You should be able to find apple cider at most grocery stores in the fall.

Orange juice - Use freshly squeezed, pulp-free orange juice. Or, substitute fresh pineapple juice instead.

Ginger beer - Or, ginger ale is another good option.

Alcohol - Optional; If you're going to go the alcohol route, I recommend using rum, bourbon or vodka.

Garnishes - Anything from cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices and/or apple slices, all of which will enhance the flavor of the drink.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix ingredients. Pour the apple cider, orange juice and ginger beer into a large pitcher or large punch bowl, then give everything a good stir.

Step 2: Refrigerate. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, which allows the flavors to mend together.

Step 3: Serve. If you're using alcohol, add the alcohol to the pitcher or bowl and stir together really well. Do a quick taste test and add additional cider/ginger beer if desired. Pour or ladle the punch into ice-filled glasses, add the optional garnishes and enjoy!

apple cider punch poured into a glass over ice

Tips

Add the alcohol right before serving. If you're opting to add alcohol, wait to add it in until right before you want to serve the punch; the longer the alcohol sits in the fridge, the stronger it's going to taste, which we don't want.
Taste test: I found this drink to be sweet enough on its own (as stated above), but if you'd like, you can absolutely add a little bit of honey or maple syrup to the pitcher -- just make sure to mix it in really well.
If you're wanting to dilute the drink at all, simply pour a little bit of seltzer or sparkling water into the pitcher before refrigerating.
Make ahead: This recipe can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator; as noted above, don't add the alcohol if you're going to make this ahead of time.

Tip

Apple cider vs. apple juice: Generally, apple cider is unpasteurized, and has a more tart flavor, whereas apple juice is much sweeter tasting. This drink is already pretty sweet thanks to the orange juice, so if you were to use apple juice, it would be far too sweet tasting (in my opinion).

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a covered pitcher or bowl for up to 7 days. NOTE: If you've already added in the alcohol, the drink is going to get stronger tasting the longer it sits. So, just be aware of that!

side view of apple cider punch in a glass with ice and a cinnamon stick

More apple recipes

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!

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