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Flavorful Apple Cider Bourbon Punch

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A cozy and inviting punch blending spiced apple cider with smooth bourbon, perfect for fall gatherings and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) fresh, unfiltered apple cider
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup (optional, Grade A dark amber recommended)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) ginger ale or sparkling water
  • Thinly sliced apple slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pour 4 cups (950 ml) of apple cider into a large saucepan. Add 3 cinnamon sticks and 6 whole cloves. Heat over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until steaming but not boiling to infuse the spices.
  2. Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves with a slotted spoon. Stir in ¼ cup (60 ml) of maple syrup to taste. Let the cider cool slightly.
  3. Add 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of bourbon and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of fresh lemon juice to the spiced cider. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a punch bowl or large pitcher. Add thin slices of 1 orange and a handful of fresh apple slices. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
  5. Just before serving, pour in 2 cups (475 ml) of chilled ginger ale or sparkling water. Stir gently to maintain the bubbles.
  6. Ladle the punch into glasses filled with ice if desired. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or apple slices and serve immediately.

Notes

Warm the cider gently to avoid bitterness from spices. Add bourbon and maple syrup to taste, adjusting sweetness and strength. Add bubbles just before serving to keep fizz. For non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add extra ginger ale or sparkling cider. Can be served warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider punch, bourbon punch, fall drink, cozy beverage, spiced cider, bourbon cocktail, holiday punch, easy punch recipe

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/flavorful-apple-cider-bourbon-punch-recipe-easy-for-cozy-gatherings/