Harvest Punch

We need to share our favorite fall drink with you. It’s called Harvest Punch. And wow, it’s so good.

This punch tastes like autumn in a cup. It has apple, cinnamon, and orange flavors. Every sip is warm and cozy.

We made it for Thanksgiving last year. Our guests couldn’t stop drinking it. They kept asking what was in it.

Here’s why we love this punch so much. It’s super easy to make. You just mix everything together. No cooking or fancy stuff needed.

We serve it at every fall party now. Birthdays, Halloween, family gatherings, you name it. It’s become our signature drink, honestly.

Trust us on this. Harvest Punch will be the hit of your party. Everyone will want the recipe. Make a big batch because it goes fast!

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Punch Recipe

• Seasonal Perfection: The vibrant, fresh flavors of apple, orange, and cinnamon create a punch that screams fall.
• Party-Ready: This recipe is perfect for large gatherings and serves a crowd effortlessly.
• Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The mix of apple cider, apple brandy, and ginger beer provides a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and spicy notes.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a boozy or non-alcoholic version, this punch caters to all guests.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep, and you can make it ahead of time for a stress-free party.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Harvest Punch:

• Large Pitcher or Punch Bowl: A big bowl is essential to combine and serve the punch for a crowd.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the fruits into thin, decorative pieces.
• Measuring Cups: To measure all the ingredients precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the punch together.
• Ice Bucket: If you’re serving cold punch, you’ll need an ice bucket to keep it chilled.
• Glasses or Cups: To serve the punch to your guests.

Ingredients

This Harvest Punch is made with a delicious medley of fresh fruits, spices, and beverages. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 medium-size navel orange, quartered and thinly sliced (about 2 cups): The bright citrusy flavor from the orange is a natural match for the apple and spices, providing a fresh contrast.
• 1 medium (7 oz.) apple (red or green), thinly sliced (about 1 ½ cups): Apples give the punch that quintessential fall taste, lending their sweetness and subtle tartness.
• 4 cups apple cider or apple juice: Apple cider (or juice) forms the base of the punch and gives it a sweet and fruity depth.
• 1 cup apple brandy or bourbon: For an added richness and warmth, the brandy or bourbon introduces a boozy element that complements the apple cider perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon): Lemon juice adds just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness of the cider and juice.
• 4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks infuse the punch with that unmistakable fall spice, adding warmth and complexity to the flavor.
• 2 cups nonalcoholic sparkling apple cider (chilled): This sparkling cider brings a refreshing fizz to the punch and enhances the apple flavor.
• 1 (12-oz.) bottle hard cider (chilled): The hard cider provides a little more complexity and light alcohol, adding to the festive nature of the punch.
• 1 (12-oz.) bottle nonalcoholic ginger beer (chilled): The ginger beer adds a subtle spiciness that beautifully complements the cinnamon and apple flavors.

Variations for Harvest Punch

While this recipe is already delicious on its own, you can get creative and tweak it to your personal preferences. Here are some variations to try:

• Add Pomegranate Seeds: For a pop of color and a little extra tartness, toss in some fresh pomegranate seeds. They’ll make the punch look even more festive.
• Use a Different Fruit: While apples and oranges are classic, you could also experiment with pears, cranberries, or even a bit of fresh pineapple.
• Use Spiced Rum: If you’re a fan of rum, swap the apple brandy for spiced rum to give the punch a more tropical, spiced twist.
• Make It a Mocktail: Simply omit the alcohol (both apple brandy and hard cider), and replace the sparkling cider and ginger beer with additional sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.
• Add More Spice: Increase the warmth of the punch by adding more cinnamon sticks or a few whole cloves to the mix.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the punch for a herby touch that pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Harvest Punch

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Harvest Punch. This recipe is simple and straightforward, so you’ll be sipping on this autumn-inspired drink in no time!

1. Prepare the Fruits

Start by prepping the fruits that will give your punch its fresh and zesty flavors.

• Slice the orange into thin wedges or slices. You can either keep the skin on for an added color effect or peel it for a more subtle citrus flavor.
• Slice the apple into thin rounds or wedges. Red or green apples work well, depending on your preference for sweetness or tartness. Leave the skin on for color and texture.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the following:

• Apple cider (4 cups): Pour the apple cider or juice into your bowl first, as it serves as the base of the punch.
• Apple brandy or bourbon (1 cup): Add your alcohol of choice. Apple brandy will give the punch a deeper, more traditional apple flavor, while bourbon brings a smooth, smoky complexity.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Squeeze in the juice of one lemon. This balances the sweetness of the cider and juice and gives a refreshing zing.
• Cinnamon sticks (4): Drop in the cinnamon sticks, which will infuse the punch with a warm, spicy aroma. You can use more or fewer sticks depending on how cinnamon-forward you like your punch.

3. Add the Fruit Slices

Now, add the thinly sliced fruits:

• Toss in the orange slices and apple slices. These fruits will not only enhance the flavor of the punch but also make the drink look more inviting and festive.

4. Chill and Stir

Once all the ingredients are in the punch bowl, stir gently to combine. If you have time, refrigerate the punch for about 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and for the cinnamon sticks to release their warmth into the liquid.

5. Add the Sparkling Elements

Just before serving, add the following sparkling ingredients:

• Nonalcoholic sparkling apple cider (2 cups): This adds a fizzy, refreshing element to the punch that balances out the richness of the apple cider and alcohol.
• Hard cider (12 oz.): For an added touch of alcoholic fizz, pour in the chilled hard cider.
• Nonalcoholic ginger beer (12 oz.): The ginger beer contributes a slightly spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apple and orange.

Stir everything together once again, but be gentle so as not to lose the bubbles from the sparkling cider and ginger beer.

6. Serve and Garnish

Now that your Harvest Punch is ready, it’s time to serve. Pour the punch into glasses, making sure to include a few slices of fruit and a cinnamon stick for garnish. For a little extra flair, you can add some extra cinnamon powder on top or garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

How to Serve Harvest Punch

This Harvest Punch is versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• At Fall Parties: Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving get-together, a Halloween party, or a cozy fall dinner, this punch will be the star of the show.
• As a Cocktail or Mocktail: Serve the punch as a cocktail for those who enjoy a drink with a kick, or offer a non-alcoholic version for those who prefer to keep it light.
• In a Punch Bowl: If you’re hosting a large crowd, serve this punch in a large, decorative punch bowl. Set up a ladle so guests can serve themselves, or garnish each glass individually with fruit slices.

Storing Harvest Punch

If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store the punch for later. Here’s how:

• Unmixed Punch: Store the base (without the sparkling elements) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, add the sparkling apple cider, hard cider, and ginger beer just before pouring into glasses.
• Mixed Punch: Once everything is mixed together, the punch is best served fresh. However, you can store the punch in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just note that the carbonation from the sparkling ingredients may lose some fizz after a day or so.

Nutritional Information

Since this punch includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, the nutritional information will vary. Here’s an approximate breakdown based on a standard serving size (1 cup):

Ingredient	Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Alcohol (if using)
Apple Cider (1 cup)	120	30g	24g	0g
Apple Brandy/Bourbon (1 oz.)	70	0g	0g	1g
Hard Cider (1/2 cup)	60	15g	12g	5g
Ginger Beer (1/2 cup)	45	11g	10g	0g

Total calories for one serving (without alcohol): ~150 calories Total calories for one serving (with alcohol): ~200 calories

Conclusion

Harvest Punch is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, customizable for all tastes, and most importantly, it’s delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it at a fall festival or serving it as a welcome drink at a holiday dinner, this punch will be a crowd-pleaser every time. The balance of fruity, spicy, and fizzy elements is simply irresistible.