This chilled apple cider punch is the perfect drink for early fall, when it’s still a bit too early to be thinking about warm drinks. It’s festive, easy to make and economical when hosting a large group.
Whenever we have a party at our house, I always serve a special drink. In the winter, it’s usually mulled wine, hot apple cider or hot chocolate. The rest of the year: punch.
I love punch because it’s easy to make and allows guests to serve themselves which leaves me (the host) free to chat and enjoy the party.
This chilled apple cider punch calls for three main ingredients: apple cider, orange juice and ginger beer. I also suggest adding a sliced apple and an orange to make the punch look a bit more festive. You can even throw in a couple cinnamon sticks or star anise if you want.
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easily adaptable. You can switch out the orange juice for something else, like pomegranate juice or cranberry juice for example.
This simple cider punch recipe is definitely a crowd pleaser. Serve it with some rum or whiskey if you’d like! Cheers to y’all and cheers to apple season!
Ingredients
- ½ gallon 8 cups apple cider
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 12 ounce bottles ginger beer
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- Ice
- Rum optional
Instructions
- Add the apple cider and orange juice to a pitcher or punch bowl.
- Add the ginger beer, sliced apple and sliced orange to the pitcher right before serving.
- Serve over ice.
- Add rum to taste if using.
Notes
- You can switch the orange juice out for another type of juice if you prefer like pomegranate juice or cranberry juice for example.
Susan says
Can you add Southern Comfort as the alcohol to this punch
Jayden says
I totally want to try this😋
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Let me know what you think!
Maureen says
How much rum should I add?
Jessica says
Perfect! So glad you shared this recipe. I was looking for a seasonal punch to serve during appetizers at Thanksgiving dinner this year and this was a hit! I mixed the apple cider (local, unpasteurized), OJ, and fruit slices ahead of time (the acid in the OJ kept the apples from turning. They were perfect all day!); at serving time, I just added a nice strong ginger beer (Summit from Aldi) I suppose I could have added some seasonal spices to it, but keep true to the recipe. I also added a bottle of Applejack brandy to the drink buffet…those who made the addition to take it up a notch loved it. Easy Quick. Simple ingredients and now my go to fall punch recipe! Happy Holidays!
My Heart Beets says
Jessica, that’s awesome! I’m so happy you liked the punch 🙂 Serving it with applejack brandy – brilliant!
Kandice Cary says
Is there a certain kind of apple cider I should use? Martinellis or more of an unfiltered kind?
My Heart Beets says
Kandice, any apple cider that you like! This is a forgiving recipe/easily adaptable to taste! 🙂
Lindsey says
Can I replace the ginger beer with ginger ale? Or something similar? Thanks!!
My Heart Beets says
Sure! It just won’t have as much of a ginger punch
Linda says
Served @ Thanksgiving and boy was it a big hit. Yes I added the Barcardi if you were wondering. Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Linda, that’s great to hear! I’m so glad everyone liked it 🙂
jeny says
Hi – Where do you get ginger beer from? Is there alcohol in it?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Jeny! There is no alcohol in ginger beer – you can get it from any grocery store including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods 🙂