Made with or without alcohol, your guests will love this Sparkling Apple Cider Punch- perfect for fall entertaining!
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Last week my first child had a birthday and we celebrated with our annual turkey chili party with all the toppings! This kid is such a crack-up.
He wanted to make silly faces with Mama before his friends arrived. Who was I to say no?
Since we don’t keep soda or juice around on a regular basis, I always like to have a fun drink available for the kids and anyone else who isn’t in the mood for a pumpkin beer. This year I hit a home run with a quick and easy sparkling apple cider punch.
Made with sparkling cider, ginger beer and a splash of lemon juice, the entire punch is scented with star anise and cinnamon sticks.
We kept it non-alcoholic for all of the kids but you could easily turn it into a cocktail by adding bourbon or vodka. One thing is for sure: the party was a huge success and just like that, our little man is another year older.
Your straw is waiting.
📖 Recipe
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 bottle sparkling cider 25.4 ounces
- 2 ginger beers twelve-ounce bottles
- 1 juice of lime
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 whole star anise pod
- bourbon optional
- apple and orange slices optional garnish
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir well.
- Serve over ice cubes and garnish with apple and orange slices.
Chef’s Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more party refreshments? Check out my Drinks board!
JC
Did you use lemon or lime? Description says splash of lemon juice, but ingredient list calls for lime.
Liz DellaCroce
Either works
Andrea
Can I use Rye in place of bourbon?
Liz DellaCroce
Gosh I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never had rye so I couldn’t say!!! Try it and let me know!!
Jeanie
Came for the drink recipe, pinned for the Air Force cake!
Cassie
Do you have recommendations for the proportions for the added bourbon? I am thinking of using this recipe as one of our craft cocktails for mine and my fiance’s wedding next month.
Liz DellaCroce
1 ounce of bourbon per person!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
Ooh this sounds yummy, so perfect for the autumn. Happy birthday to your son! What a little cutie!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much Becca!!
Senika @ Foodie Blog Stalker
It’s still 100+ degrees here in So Cal but I want Fall flavors! This sparkling apple cider punch is the perfect find!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!!
Kathryn Doherty
I was thinking of doing some sort of bourbon apple cider combo for a neighborhood get together next weekend. This sounds perfect! And happy birthday to your boy! My oldest just turned 4, too – it’s a fun age :)
Liz DellaCroce
Ahh yes this is perfect!! And happy 4th to your oldest too!!
Shawnna
Yummy! This does sound good!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try it!
Samantha @ThePlantedVegan
This looks so refreshing! Perfect for a nice crisp fall day!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so excited for fall goodies!
Catherine
Dear Liz, Happy Birthday to your little guy! How sweet! And this punch sounds delightful…I love the ginger beer and spices. xo, Catherine
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much!! I’m a huge ginger beer fanatic!!
Rachel Cooks
Looks so refreshing! Love the birthday party pics!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you friend!! Now we can start gearing up for the next birthday boy. :) xo