Apple Cider Punch 🍎🥂🍂 Festive, Fizzy, and Perfect for Serving a Crowd

This punch blends crisp apple cider with sparkling wine, citrus, and warming spices for a drink that’s both refreshing and cozy.

It’s ideal for fall parties, holiday brunches, or any gathering where you want an easy, make-ahead crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

For the punch

• 6 cups chilled apple cider (fresh if possible)
• 1 bottle sparkling wine or champagne, chilled
• 1 cup brandy or spiced rum
• 1 cup orange juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks
• Ice cubes

Optional garnishes

• Fresh cranberries
• Star anise pods
• Additional citrus slices

Step 1: Mix the base

In a large punch bowl or drink dispenser, combine apple cider, brandy (or rum), orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir well to blend.

Step 2: Add fruit and spices

Add sliced apples, orange, and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently.

Step 3: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add bubbles and serve

Just before serving, pour in sparkling wine. Add ice to keep it cold. Garnish with cranberries, star anise, or extra citrus slices if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Use ginger beer instead of sparkling wine for a non-alcoholic version with a spicy kick
• Swap brandy for bourbon for a richer, warmer flavor
• Add pomegranate seeds for extra color and tang
• Use spiced apple cider for more depth

Pro Tips

• Add the sparkling wine last to keep the fizz lively
• Choose a dry sparkling wine to balance the sweetness of the cider
• Keep extra ice in a separate bowl so the punch doesn’t get watered down
• For large events, double the recipe and serve in multiple pitchers or dispensers

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Punch is festive, easy, and full of fall flavor. With minimal effort, you can serve up a drink that looks beautiful and keeps guests coming back for more.

Mix it. Chill it. Raise a glass to autumn. 🍎🥂🍂

🍎 Apple Cider Recipes

Explore All Apple Cider Recipes → From cozy hot drinks to refreshing cocktails, these recipes highlight the crisp, sweet flavor of apple cider.

• 🥂 Apple Cider Mimosa – Bubbly brunch cocktail with a fall twist.
• 🍏 Classic Homemade Apple Cider – Fresh, spiced cider made from scratch.
• 🍺 Classic Hard Apple Cider – Naturally fermented for a crisp, boozy kick.
• 🍹 Apple Cider Cocktail – A simple, refreshing cider-based drink.
• 🍸 Apple Cider Margarita – A fall twist on the classic margarita.
• 🍷 Apple Cider Sangria – Fruity, spiced sangria perfect for parties.
• 🥂 Apple Cider Punch – Crowd-pleasing drink with a festive touch.
• 🔥 Hot Apple Cider – Warming, spiced comfort in a mug.
• 🥘 Crockpot Apple Cider – Slow-cooked cider for rich, deep flavor.
• 🍂 Mulled Apple Cider – Simmered with spices for a holiday favorite.