Description
The Spiced Apple Cider Punch is the ultimate cozy beverage — warm, aromatic, and layered with fall flavors. Fresh apple cider blends with citrus, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise to create a drink that’s comforting and festive. Whether served hot on a cold evening or chilled at a holiday gathering, this punch delivers balance, depth, and a nostalgic sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Cider Base:
8 cups (1.9 L) apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
2 cups (480 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice (to balance sweetness)
1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, sliced thinly
For the Spices:
3 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
2 star anise pods
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp allspice
1 tsp whole black peppercorns (optional for subtle warmth)
For Sweetness (Optional):
2–3 tbsp brown sugar or 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Optional Alcohol (for adult version):
1 cup (240 ml) dark rum, brandy, or spiced whiskey (add after heating)
Garnish:
Orange slices, apple rings, cinnamon sticks, or star anise
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Ingredients:
Slice the orange, apple, and ginger. Keep peels on for added aroma.
Step 2 – Combine Base Liquids:
In a large pot, mix apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir to blend.
Step 3 – Add Fruits and Spices:
Add orange slices, apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, allspice, and optional peppercorns.
Step 4 – Sweeten to Taste:
Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup until dissolved. Adjust sweetness as desired.
Step 5 – Simmer and Infuse:
Heat over medium until steaming, then reduce to low. Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes. Do not boil. Stir occasionally to infuse evenly.
Step 6 – Strain and Serve:
Remove from heat. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Serve hot in mugs or chill and pour over ice.
Step 7 – Optional Alcohol Addition:
If desired, stir in rum, brandy, or whiskey right before serving.
Notes
Use unfiltered apple cider for richer flavor.
Do not boil the cider to preserve freshness and prevent bitterness.
For milder spice, reduce simmer time.
Works great in a slow cooker—set to “low” for 2–3 hours for easy serving.
Add fresh fruit just before serving for presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Spiced Apple Cider Punch, Holiday Drink, Warm Apple Punch, Hot Apple Cider, Fall Beverage