Spiked Apple Cider Halloween Punch: Easy Cozy Party Recipe
A warm, spiced apple cider punch with bourbon that’s perfect for Halloween parties. Quick to make with simple ingredients, this cozy drink is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like autumn in a mug.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- 1 cup bourbon (or whiskey, mid-range)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Stir gently and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the maple syrup until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the bourbon. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Strain the punch through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or punch bowl to remove whole spices.
- Add the orange slices and apple slices as garnish.
- Serve warm in mugs, with a cinnamon stick in each if desired.
Notes
Don’t boil the cider; a gentle simmer is best. Toast spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding for more flavor. Make the spiced cider base ahead (without bourbon) and refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat and add bourbon before serving. For a non-alcoholic version, skip bourbon and add 1 extra cup apple cider plus 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: spiked apple cider, Halloween punch, apple cider punch, bourbon punch, fall cocktail, warm punch, party drink