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Thanksgiving Apple Cider Punch pinterest

Thanksgiving Apple Cider Punch

This aromatic, spiced apple cider punch creates an immersive sensory experience that welcomes guests the moment they walk through your door. Combining the classic flavors of fall—crisp apples, tart cranberries, and warming spices—into a festive non-alcoholic beverage that appeals to guests of all ages.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Stockpot or Slow Cooker
  • Cheesecloth
  • Fine-mesh Sieve
  • Glass Beverage Dispenser or Punch Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon apple cider unfiltered works best for a richer flavor
  • 4 cups cranberry juice 100% juice, not cocktail for less sugar
  • 2 oranges thinly sliced (organic preferred for garnish)
  • 3 apples mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for sweet-tart balance, thinly sliced
  • 6 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 tbsp whole allspice
  • 1 tbsp star anise
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries for garnish
  • fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Create a spice sachet by placing the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise in a piece of cheesecloth and tying it securely. This makes removal easier later and prevents guests from encountering whole spices in their cups.
  • In a large stockpot or slow cooker, pour in the apple cider and cranberry juice.
  • Slice one orange and two apples, reserving the rest for garnish. Add the sliced fruits to the liquid mixture, then submerge your spice bundle.
  • Bring the mixture to a very low simmer over medium-low heat. Once it begins to bubble slightly around the edges, reduce heat to low. Never allow the punch to boil. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the spices and fruits to infuse the liquid.
  • After simmering, remove from heat and add the maple syrup, stirring gently to incorporate.
  • Allow the punch to rest for 20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor development. For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving bowl, reserving some of the fruit slices for garnish.
  • Serve warm in a punch bowl with the remaining fresh fruit and cranberries as garnish. Add rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch.

Notes

For an adult version, add 1½ cups of bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy after removing the punch from heat.
To serve chilled, refrigerate overnight and serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water for effervescence.
A slow cooker set to "warm" is ideal for keeping the punch warm throughout a gathering.
Store cooled punch in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Remove whole spices and fruit after 24 hours to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 26gVitamin C: 15mg
Keyword Thanksgiving, Apple Cider, Holiday Punch, Fall Drink, Non-Alcoholic
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