Description

This Fall Punch recipe combines fresh apple cider, vibrant cranberry juice, and zesty orange juice infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, it can be served chilled or warm, making it a perfect festive drink for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

4 cups fresh, unfiltered apple cider
2 cups 100% pure cranberry juice (no added sugars)
1 cup orange juice

Sweeteners

2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)

Spices and Garnishes

3 cinnamon sticks
6–8 whole cloves
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 apple, thinly sliced
Extra cinnamon sticks (optional, for presentation)

Instructions

Prepare the Spiced Base: In a large pot or deep pan, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves to the mixture. Gently heat over medium-low heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow warm spices to infuse and blend into the juice mixture.
Sweeten the Punch: While the juice mixture is still warm, gradually stir in maple syrup or honey to your desired sweetness. This step balances tartness from the cranberry juice and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cool or Serve Warm: For a chilled punch, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours. To serve warm, keep the punch gently heated on the stove without boiling.
Garnish and Present: Transfer the punch to a large serving bowl or pitcher. Add fresh cranberries and thin apple slices on top for a festive look. Optionally, garnish with extra cinnamon sticks in the punch or glasses for added aroma and decoration.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup/honey to suit your taste.
Using unfiltered apple cider enhances the natural rich flavor of the punch.
For a spicier punch, add more cinnamon sticks or cloves.
Serve warm for cozy fall evenings or chilled as a refreshing autumn beverage.
Make sure not to boil the punch to preserve the flavors and prevent the spices from becoming bitter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Fall punch, apple cider punch, cranberry juice beverage, autumn drink, holiday punch, spiced punch, warm fall drink