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–+ servings
autumn harvet punch

Autumn Harvest Punch

The Crispy Chef
A cozy, crowd-pleasing fall drink that blends apple cider, cranberry juice, warm spices, and a hint of maple with a fizzy twist. Gorgeous to serve and easy to make ahead—perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American, Fall
Servings 10 cups
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • large pitcher or punch bowl (at least 3 quarts)
  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Sharp Knife
  • large ladle
  • Serving glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple cider (960ml)
  • 2 cups cranberry juice (480ml)
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice (240ml)
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice (120ml)
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup (60ml)
  • 2 cups ginger ale (480ml)
  • 1 cup sparkling water (240ml)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 star anise
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 1 orange, zested
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • fresh rosemary sprigs
  • ice cubes or ice ring
  • 1–2 cups bourbon or rum (optional, 240–480ml)
  • 0.5 cup orange liqueur (optional, 120ml)

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, simmer 2 cups apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, ginger slices, and orange zest for 15 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
  • Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Strain out spices using a fine-mesh strainer.
  • In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the spiced cider with remaining apple cider, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir to mix.
  • Taste and adjust with more maple syrup (for sweetness) or lemon juice (for tartness), as needed.
  • Chill the punch base in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours before serving.
  • Just before serving, add the ginger ale and sparkling water. Stir gently to preserve carbonation.
  • Slice apples and oranges for garnish. Toss apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. Add all garnishes to the punch bowl.
  • Add ice cubes or an ice ring just before serving. This keeps the punch cold without diluting it too quickly.
  • Top with rosemary sprigs for aroma and a festive look.
  • If making an alcoholic version, stir in bourbon or rum and orange liqueur before adding the fizzy components.

Notes

Customize it with alcohol for adult parties or leave it booze-free for the whole family. Add an ice ring with frozen cranberries and apple slices for a stunning visual touch. You can prep the base up to 24 hours in advance—just add the bubbly components right before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 24gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 22gVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword apple cider punch, autumn punch, fall party recipe, holiday drinks, nonalcoholic punch
Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!