Apple Cider Punch
This easy-to-make Apple Cider Punch is sweet, bubbly, festive and refreshing for the ultimate big-batch autumn cocktail perfect for all your fall gatherings.
There’s nothing I love more than having a festive cocktail around the holidays, and one that can serve a crowd without having to mix individual drinks all night is a big win in my book. This Apple Cider Punch is one of my favorite easy, big-batch cocktails for Halloween parties, Friendsgiving, or Thanksgiving, and the best part? This crowd-pleasing drink comes together in just minutes!
Sweet apple cider is mixed with bubbly sparkling wine and fizzy ginger beer for a refreshing, lightly spiced fall cocktail, then finished with crisp apple slices for a beautiful seasonal garnish. This Apple Cider Punch is easy to make, perfect for entertaining, and has a gorgeous presentation. Just remember, this is an alcoholic punch, so be sure to label it clearly when serving it at gatherings with kids!
If you like this festive drink, be sure to try some of our other favorite holiday beverages. This Apple Cider Margarita is another seasonal twist on a classic and our Holiday Sangria is great for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No stovetop or cocktail shaker required. Simply add all of the ingredients, mix, and you’ve got a delicious cocktail ready to serve! This drink recipe is easy and straightforward.
- Great for entertaining. With a big-batch format that easily serves a crowd, this recipe is convenient for serving a large group all at once. No need to play bartender at your own party!
- Seasonal presentation. Adding a few simple apple slices make the punch bowl look extra festive and seasonal. This drink has a nice presentation with minimal effort.
- Easy to assemble. This recipe is so simple, you can even throw it together and whip it up right before guests arrive.
Ingredients
- Ice: To keep this drink ice cold and extra refreshing.
- Apple Cider: The festive star of the show to add the seasonal flavor. Use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety.
- Sparkling Wine: Adds a little sparkle, bubble and flavor. Use champagne or prosecco.
- Ginger Beer: Bold, slightly spicy and ginger-y, this adds great flavor. Find this near the other carbonated drinks and soft drinks.
- Vodka: To make this an adult only beverage, use your favorite brand or variety.
- Sliced Apples: For a sweet and festive presentation.
How To Make Apple Cider Punch
1. In a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser, add the ice, apple cider, sparkling wine, vodka, ginger beer and sliced apples.
2. Stir to combine and drink up!
Expert Tips
- Use a large punch bowl. The bowl should be large enough to hold a gallon of cider plus the other liquids. Don’t choose something too small, otherwise it’ll overflow and spill.
- Add sparkling ingredients last. Wait to add any sparkling wine, prosecco or Champagne until you’re close to serving to keep the drink extra bubbly and fizzy.
- Keep extra ingredients chilled for refills. It’s a good idea to have some additional cider and sparkling wine in the fridge chilled and at the ready for refills.
- Clearly label it as “adult only”. Set this punch up in an area out of reach from children, and use a very clear label that indicates it’s an adult-only serving station and drink, to avoid any confusion.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make a nonalcoholic version for all ages. For a nonalcoholic variation, simply omit the vodka and replace the sparkling wine with sparkling apple cider. Just be sure to test for sweetness, and adjust as needed.
- Add different festive garnishes. Try adding in cinnamon sticks or orange slices for a different festive and flavorful garnish.
- Choose a spicier ginger beer. A variation with a bigger, bolder flavor will give the punch more warmth.
- Serve in a beverage dispenser without ice. Don’t add ice to the punch itself. Instead, place ice in indiglasses to avoid dilution.
Storage
Store any leftover punch covered, or removed to a pitcher, in the refrigerator right away. It’ll keep for up to 2 days, but the carbonation will fade. You can always add a splash of fresh sparkling wine to refresh when serving again.
We recommend avoiding leaving the punch out for extended periods of time at room temperature. It’ll go flat.
This is a great drink to prep and make ahead of time — mix the still ingredients up to a few hours in advance, then refrigerate. When you’re close to serving add sparkling wine, ginger beer, ice, and apple garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely. Simply omit the vodka and replace the sparkling wine with sparkling apple cider. This version is great for all ages and the whole family.
Yes, although it will give the punch a less festive, milder flavor profile.
Fill individual glasses with ice, then ladle the punch into each glass when you’re ready to serve to keep the drink cold. Adding ice to the punch bowl will dilute it and won’t keep it cold for very long.
Toss the apples in fresh lemon juice and add them to the bowl right before serving, to keep them looking as fresh as possible.
More Delicious Drink Recipes
Apple Cider Punch
Ingredients
- 6 cups ice
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 bottle sparkling wine champagne or prosecco
- 2 12 ounce bottles ginger beer
- 1 cup vodka
- 2-3 sliced apples
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl or beverage dispenser, add the ice, apple cider, sparkling wine, vodka, ginger beer and sliced apples.
- Stir to combine and drink up!
Notes
- Store any leftover punch covered, or removed to a pitcher, in the refrigerator right away. It’ll keep for up to 2 days, but the carbonation will fade. You can always add a splash of fresh sparkling wine to refresh when serving again.
- We recommend avoiding leaving the punch out for extended periods of time at room temperature. It’ll go flat.
- Prep and make this drink ahead of time — mix the still ingredients up to a few hours in advance, then refrigerate. When you’re close to serving add sparkling wine, ginger beer, ice, and apple garnish.
