Description
A simple, crowd-pleasing punch recipe featuring classic fall flavors, with options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups apple cider
- 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 cups ginger ale or sparkling cider (chilled)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Optional: 2 cups white rum or vodka (for alcoholic version)
- Ice ring or cubes for serving
Instructions
- Combine the apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, and orange juice in a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser.
- If making the alcoholic version, stir in the rum or vodka now.
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, gently pour the chilled ginger ale or sparkling cider into the punch bowl. Do not stir vigorously, as you want to retain the fizz.
- Add the orange slices and cranberries to the punch bowl for garnish.
- Add a large ice ring or ice cubes to keep the punch cold during the party.
Notes
- For a make-ahead option, mix all ingredients except the ginger ale/sparkling cider and store in the refrigerator. Add the fizzy component right before guests arrive.
- Freeze some of the cranberries and orange slices in water in a bundt pan to create a decorative ice ring that won’t water down the punch quickly.
- If you prefer a less sweet punch, substitute half of the cranberry juice cocktail with unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (non-alcoholic base)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg