Cold Apple Cider Punch

This is my standard party drink because it’s so simple and everyone likes it. You just mix apple cider with fresh orange juice and ginger ale, then float some fruit and cinnamon sticks in it to make it pretty. I use a full half-gallon of cider as the base, which gives you enough punch for about 10-12 people. The whole thing takes maybe 10 minutes to put together.

The trick to making good party punch is keeping it simple and cold. Mix your apple cider and orange juice earlier in the day, keep everything chilled, then add the ginger ale right before guests arrive so you don’t lose the bubbles. I never add alcohol to this because I want kids to be able to have it too, but having bottles out for guests to add it to their own glasses is a nice touch.

What You’ll Need

This recipe doubles or triples easily with no adjustments. Just make sure your punch bowl or drink dispenser is big enough (most hold about two batches). 

For the Punch

• ½ gallon (8 cups) apple cider, chilled
• 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 6 oranges)
• 3 cups ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, chilled
• 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 4-5 cinnamon sticks
• Star anise (optional – just for looks, doesn’t add much flavor)
• Ice cubes

For Spiked Punch (optional)

Set bottles beside the punch bowl for guests to add:

• Bourbon or spiced rum: 2 ounces per serving
• Prosecco: 2-3 ounces per serving
• Apple brandy: 1½ ounces per serving

Instructions

Layer in fruit. Start by arranging your fruit in the punch bowl. Orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks scattered around. Drop in star anise if you have it. Putting the fruit in first means it has time to share its flavor with the punch.

Add liquids. Pour the apple cider and orange juice right over all that fruit. Give it one stir. Add the ginger ale at the last possible minute. When people are walking in the door, that’s when you pour it in. Go slow, pour it down the side of the bowl instead of straight in, and stir exactly once. Any more stirring and you’ll lose all the bubbles.

Decide on how you’ll keep it cold. For keeping it cold, you’ve got options. If all your liquids are straight from the fridge and your party’s under 2 hours, skip ice in the punch completely, just put an ice bucket beside the bowl and let people add their own. Or throw a handful of ice in the bowl right before guests arrive if you want. Some people freeze apple juice in ice cube trays so the punch doesn’t get watered down, but regular ice works fine.

Serve. If you’re adding alcohol, set bottles of bourbon, rum, or prosecco beside the punch bowl with a note about portions.

Leftovers do not store very well.

Twists You Might Like

• Cranberry: Add 1 cup cranberry juice for color and a little tartness. This one is good for Thanksgiving
• Make it pink: Add a cup of pomegranate juice for a pretty pink color and slight tang
• Tea base: Steep 4 bags of cinnamon or chai tea in 2 cups of hot cider, cool, then proceed. I like this one but my kids do not.

Questions and Troubleshooting

Finishing Up Your Fall Party

Autumn is the best time to have people over. Try these recipes too:

• We love serving pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, and smoked baked beans for a big crowd.
• Everyone likes potato salad, but everyone loves my redskin potato salad.
• No one has ever complained about a nice pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert.

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