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Autumn Punch

Autumn punch is a deep amber-gold, fruit-forward drink made by chilling apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice until flavors meld. Just before serving, top with ginger ale (or sparkling cider) for a lightly sparkling finish with cinnamon and star anise.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170
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 or honey
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 star anise
  • fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
  • ice or a frozen ice ring
  • 2 cup ginger ale or sparkling cider Add just before serving.
  • 2 cup bourbon or dark rum (optional spiked version) Add only if making the spiked version.

Equipment

  • 1 punch bowl
  • 1 pitcher

Method
 

Mix the base
  1. Combine apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup in a large punch bowl or pitcher. Stir well so the sweetener dissolves.
  2. Add orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the punch bowl. Stir again to distribute the spices evenly.
Chill to develop flavor
  1. Refrigerate the punch for 1 hour to develop flavors. Keep it covered while it chills.
Serve
  1. Just before serving, add ginger ale or sparkling cider and ice. Stir gently so the drink stays lightly sparkling.
  2. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra fruit slices. Add additional ice or fruit as needed for a steady look.

Notes

Make-ahead pro tip: mix the cider, juices, maple syrup, and spices up to 1 day in advance, then chill and add ginger ale/sparkling cider and ice right before serving for the best sparkle. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (freeze: no, the fruit and spice texture can soften). For a lighter option, use sparkling water or diet ginger ale instead of ginger ale to reduce added sugar.