Autumn Punch

Autumn punch is a no-cook American drink made by stirring apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice with warm spices, then chilling for a deeper, cozy flavor. It’s finished with ginger ale or sparkling cider and a big garnish of rosemary plus orange and apple slices.

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Prep Time 10

Chilling 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Autumn punch base

4 cup apple cider
2 cup cranberry juice
1 cup orange juice
0.25 cup maple syrup Use maple syrup or honey.
0.25 cup honey Use honey or maple syrup.
2 cup ginger ale Add just before serving (or use sparkling cider).
2 cup sparkling cider Add just before serving (or use ginger ale).
1 orange Thinly sliced for floating garnish.
1 apple Thinly sliced for floating garnish.
4 cinnamon sticks
6 star anise
fresh rosemary sprigs For garnish.
ice or a frozen ice ring Add at serving.
2 cup bourbon or dark rum Optional spiked version.

Equipment

1 punch bowl

Method

Mix the punch

Combine apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup (or honey) in a large punch bowl or pitcher.
Stir well, then add orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Chill

Refrigerate for 1 hour to develop flavors.

Finish and serve

Just before serving, add ginger ale (or sparkling cider) and ice.
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra fruit slices, then serve immediately.

Notes

Pro tip: for a cleaner look, strain the punch right after chilling if you don’t want visible spice pieces, then re-add fresh garnishes before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 2 days; add ginger ale/sparkling cider and ice only at serving. Freezing is not recommended due to the effervescence. If you want it less sweet, reduce maple syrup/honey slightly or use low-sugar ginger ale/sparkling cider.