Cider Punch Cocktail Recipe
Cider Punch Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
Cider Punch is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially during the fall and winter months. It is believed to have originated in England, where apple cider has been a popular beverage since the Roman times. The cocktail gained popularity in the United States during the colonial era, and it continues to be a favorite at holiday gatherings and festive occasions.
- The origins of Cider Punch can be traced back to England
- It gained popularity in the United States during the colonial era
- It is a favorite at holiday gatherings and festive occasions
How Cider Punch Tastes?
Cider Punch is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The apple cider provides a natural sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The cinnamon and other spices bring warmth and complexity to the drink, making it perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
Interesting facts about Cider Punch
- Cider Punch is often served at holiday gatherings, making it a festive and seasonal cocktail
- The cocktail can be easily adapted to suit individual tastes by adjusting the spices and sweetness
- Cider Punch can be served either hot or cold, depending on personal preference
Ingredients
- Apple cider: 750ml
- Lemon juice: 60ml
- Dark rum: 180ml
- Brandy: 120ml
- Simple syrup: 60ml
- Cinnamon sticks: 2
- Whole cloves: 6
- Star anise: 2
- Orange slices: 4
- Lemon slices: 4
- Apple slices: 4
- Ice cubes: 12
Apple cider
Apple cider is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a sweet, fruit-forward base. Using 750ml strikes the perfect balance between strength and mellow fruitiness. Too little and you'll miss the apple essence; too much and it could become cloyingly sweet.
Emma Rose
Lemon juice
60ml of lemon juice adds the necessary tartness to counterbalance the sweetness, giving your punch a refreshing edge. Skip it, and the cocktail might end up too sweet. Replace it with lime juice for a zesty twist!
Mary Mitkina
Dark rum
180ml of dark rum contributes a robust depth with hints of molasses. It packs a punch, so to speak, and brings warmth to the mix. If you lessen the amount, you might not feel the 'rum' of the punch; overload it, and you'll overshadow the other flavors.
Alex Green
Brandy
120ml of brandy gives a nod to classic punches with its rich, fruity notes. It's not overpowering but certainly enhances the overall depth. Less brandy could make a softer drink, while more might tip your cocktail into a brandy slump.
Emma Rose
Simple syrup
60ml simple syrup is the sweetener that ties it all together. Without it, you may find your drink lacks that rounded sweetness, although the cider does offer some natural sugar. If you're mindful of sweetness, you could dial it back, or increase it if you've got a sweet tooth.
Mary Mitkina
Cinnamon sticks, Whole cloves, Star anise
2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and 2 star anise—the trinity of spice here. They bring a warmth, complexity, and a hint of seasonal nostalgia. No spices, no festive kick; too many and you'll think you've wandered into a spice shop.
Alex Green
Orange, Lemon, and Apple slices
Fruit slices aren't just for show; they add fresh zest and a touch of natural sweetness. They also look pretty, floating in that amber liquid. Without these, you'd lose layers of flavor and visual appeal. More slices equal more fruitiness and fun!
Emma Rose
Ice cubes
Finally, 12 ice cubes to chill. They keep the punch cool and refreshing. If you skip the ice, it could feel like sipping warm fruit soup. Too much ice, though, and you risk watering down the flavors as it melts. Keep it cool, but balanced!
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Cider Punch Drink
- In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, lemon juice, dark rum, brandy, simple syrup, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm and fragrant (do not boil)
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes
- Strain the punch into a large punch bowl or serving container, discarding the spices
- Add the orange, lemon, and apple slices to the punch
- Serve the Cider Punch over ice in individual glasses, garnished with additional fruit slices and cinnamon sticks if desired
Pro Tips
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. The quality of your cider will greatly affect the taste of your punch.
- Don't rush the heating process. Letting the punch heat slowly will allow the flavors to meld together more effectively.
- Experiment with different types of rum and brandy to find the flavor profile you prefer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platters: A selection of aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or gouda complement the rich apple and spice flavors.
- Roasted nuts: The sweet and salty flavors of candied or spiced nuts match well with the punch’s warm spices.
Main courses
- Roasted pork: The sweet and savory elements of roasted pork pair beautifully with the fruity and spiced profile of the cocktail.
- Thanksgiving turkey: The cider punch's hint of sweetness and spices would be a delightful pairing with turkey and cranberry sauce.
Desserts
- Apple pie: A classic pairing— the apple flavors in both the pie and the punch will harmonize wonderfully.
- Pumpkin spice treats: The cinnamon and star anise in the punch echo the classic pumpkin spice blend.
Non-alcoholic
- Sparkling water: For guests who are not drinking alcohol, a simple glass of sparkling water with a dash of bitters can cleanse the palate between sips of the punch.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Cider Punch
- Apple juice can be used in place of apple cider if necessary.
- Bourbon can be substituted for the dark rum for a different flavor profile.
- Honey or agave nectar can be used instead of simple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Hot Cider Punch
Replace ice cubes with 500ml of hot water to create a warming, wintery rendition of the punch. The spices will become more pronounced, and there's nothing like a hot drink in cold weather to make your guests feel at home.
Spiced Apple Sparkler
Add a splash of ginger beer and a few dashes of aromatic bitters to the punch after the spices have been removed. This will give the drink a fizzy lift and a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of effervescence in their punch.
Bourbon Berry Cider Punch
Swap out the dark rum and brandy for 300ml of bourbon and add a cup of mixed berries to the mix. The berries add a tart, fresh dimension, and the bourbon introduces an American twist with its sweet, oaky notes.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cider Punch
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupPlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Cider Punch
What is the best type of cider to use for a Cider Punch?
The cider you use can greatly affect the taste of your Cider Punch. Therefore, it is recommended you choose high-quality, fresh apple cider. It may make a significant difference.
What type of rum and brandy is best for Cider Punch?
The flavour of the Punch can vary depending on the type of rum and brandy you use. You may want to try different brands to find your preference. Dark rums and rich, full-bodied brandies tend to work well.
Can I prepare Cider Punch in advance of a gathering?
Yes, you can pre-mix everything except the ice. When you're ready to serve, pour it over ice in individual glasses. This also allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Cider Punch?
Yes, simply omit the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version. You can add more cider or juice and extra spices if desired.
What other fruit can I use for garnish in Cider Punch?
While traditional garnishes include orange, lemon and apple slices, you could also use pomegranate seeds, cranberries or fresh mint leaves for a festive touch.
More similar recipes to Cider Punch!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Hot Gold
The Hot Gold cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. The warmth of the whiskey is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the honey and the tangy kick of the lemon juice. The cinnamon and cloves add a touch of spice, while the smoky aroma of the star anise lingers on the palate.
Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine has a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. The combination of red wine, spices, and citrus fruits creates a rich and comforting flavor profile that is perfect for cold winter nights.
Thai Tea
This Thai Tea cocktail has a unique, sweet, and creamy taste with a hint of spiciness from the spices. The strong tea flavor is balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk and the smoothness of the alcohol, making it a delightful and refreshing drink.
Hot Apple Pie
The Hot Apple Pie cocktail has a sweet, fruity taste with a hint of warmth from the spices. The apple cider and apple brandy give it a strong apple flavor, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add a subtle spiciness. The whipped cream on top adds a creamy, smooth texture to the drink.
Wild Turkey
The Wild Turkey cocktail has a robust, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It's slightly sweet, with a touch of spice and a warming, smooth finish. The bourbon takes center stage, while the other ingredients add depth and complexity.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
The Pumpkin Spice White Russian is creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy. The vodka provides a strong base, the coffee liqueur adds depth and sweetness, and the pumpkin spice creamer gives it a warm, spicy kick.
Quebec
The Quebec cocktail has a rich, sweet, and slightly tart taste. The combination of whiskey, maple syrup, and apple cider creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both warming and refreshing. The cocktail has a smooth, velvety texture and a lingering finish that leaves you wanting more.
Crown Maple
The Crown Maple cocktail is a sweet and warming drink with a hint of spice. The maple flavor of the whisky is complemented by the sweet and tangy apple cider, while the cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice.
Atomic Fireball
The Atomic Fireball is a spicy, sweet, and slightly tart cocktail. The cinnamon whiskey gives it a fiery kick, while the apple cider and grenadine add a sweet and tart balance. It's a bold, full-bodied drink with a lingering heat that warms you from the inside out.
Brandy Egg Nog
The Brandy Egg Nog cocktail is rich, creamy, and velvety with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth from the brandy. The spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, add a subtle depth of flavor, making it a comforting and indulgent treat.
Cranberry Punch
The Cranberry Punch cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors. The cranberry juice provides a slightly sour and fruity taste, while the orange juice adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy brightness. The overall flavor is well-balanced, light, and refreshing.
Leprechaun
The Leprechaun cocktail is a refreshing blend of sweet, sour, and slightly fruity flavors. The combination of Irish whiskey, sour apple schnapps, and lemon-lime soda creates a well-balanced and invigorating taste sensation.
Bumbo
Bumbo has a sweet and spicy taste, with a hint of warmth from the rum. It is smooth and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
Amber Moon
The Amber Moon cocktail offers a harmonious balance of flavors, with a rich and velvety texture. It has a subtle sweetness, followed by a warm and spicy kick. The combination of whiskey, honey, and cinnamon creates a smooth and comforting taste, perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Porto Flip
The Porto Flip is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness. The flavors of the port wine and brandy blend beautifully, while the egg adds a creamy texture. The cocktail is well-balanced, with a warming finish.
Brandy Sour
The Brandy Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a pleasant sweetness, followed by a refreshing sourness from the lemon juice, and a subtle warmth from the brandy. The drink is neither too strong nor too light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Apple Martini
The Apple Martini has a sweet and sour taste, with a crisp and refreshing apple flavor. It is well-balanced, with a slight tartness from the apple and a smooth, velvety finish from the vodka.
Apple Ginger Martini
The Apple Ginger Martini is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and spicy. The apple juice provides a refreshing sweetness, while the ginger adds a spicy kick. The vodka gives it a strong, smooth finish.
Apple-Ginger Bramble
The Apple-Ginger Bramble is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour and spicy. The sweetness of the apple juice and simple syrup is balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice. The ginger adds a spicy kick that lingers on the palate.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
Aurora Jungle Juice
The Aurora Jungle Juice has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of tartness from the lime. The combination of flavors creates a refreshing and well-balanced drink that is perfect for those who enjoy tropical and fruity cocktails.
Barracuda Punch
The Barracuda Punch is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The tangy pineapple and orange juices are balanced by the sweetness of the grenadine, while the rum and Galliano add a warm, spicy kick. The overall taste is refreshing, tropical, and slightly exotic.
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a warm, rich, and creamy cocktail with a perfect balance of bitter coffee, sweet sugar, and smooth Irish whiskey. The whipped cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum has a rich, creamy, and buttery taste with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and a warming sensation from the spices and rum. The flavors are well-balanced, making it a perfect winter cocktail.
Green Demon
The Green Demon is a sweet and sour cocktail with a strong, fruity flavor. The combination of melon liqueur, lemon-lime soda, and citrus vodka creates a refreshing and tangy taste, while the addition of white rum adds a hint of warmth and depth.
Apple Blow Fizz
The Apple Blow Fizz has a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and slightly spicy flavors. The apple and lemon juices provide a refreshing and tangy base, while the cinnamon syrup adds a touch of warmth and sweetness. The gin and egg white give the cocktail a smooth and creamy texture, while the soda water adds a light and fizzy finish.
Bonfire
The Bonfire cocktail has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced drink with a hint of warmth and a smooth finish.
Butter Rum
The Butter Rum cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a smooth, buttery texture. The sweetness of the rum is balanced by the warmth of the spices, creating a deliciously complex flavor profile.
Dark 'N' Stormy
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird has a complex and well-balanced taste profile, featuring sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The sweetness of the pineapple juice is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice and the bitterness of the Campari. The dark rum adds depth and warmth to the drink.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Pimm's Cup
The Pimm's Cup is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the Pimm's No. 1. It has a light and crisp taste, perfect for warm summer days.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a warm, soothing, and comforting cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of honey and the warmth of whiskey are complemented by the tanginess of lemon and the subtle spiciness of cinnamon and cloves.
Tom and Jerry
The Tom and Jerry cocktail has a rich, creamy taste with a hint of sweetness. The combination of warm milk, sugar, and spices creates a comforting, velvety texture. The addition of rum and brandy gives the drink a warming, boozy kick.