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Best Spiked Apple Cider Halloween Punch Recipe

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A warm, cozy spiked apple cider punch with toasted spices and bourbon, perfect for Halloween gatherings. This easy 15-minute recipe uses real ingredients and is a crowd-pleaser that will make your house smell like fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 quart (4 cups) apple cider
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 6 to 8 whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 4 to 5 whole allspice berries
  • 1 to 1.5 cups bourbon, whiskey, or dark rum
  • Apple slices, for garnish
  • Extra cinnamon sticks and star anise, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Toast the whole spices: Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake gently for 60 to 90 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat immediately.
  2. Combine the base ingredients: In a large pot, pour in apple cider and orange juice. Add toasted whole spices, fresh ginger slices, and maple syrup. Do not add alcohol yet.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer: Place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil). This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let steep for 10 minutes (or up to 15 for stronger spice flavor).
  4. Strain the spices: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or serving pitcher. Carefully pour hot cider through the strainer to catch all whole spices and ginger slices. Press gently on solids with a spoon to extract remaining liquid.
  5. Add the alcohol: Stir in your chosen spirit. Start with 1 cup and taste; add more in 1/4 cup increments if desired. Typically 1.25 cups of bourbon is used.
  6. Garnish and serve: Pour spiked cider into a punch bowl or serving pitcher. Float fresh apple slices, extra cinnamon sticks, and star anise on top. Ladle into mugs and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t let the cider boil; it concentrates sugars and evaporates alcohol. Toast spices every time for best flavor. Taste as you go. Make ahead: prepare cider base up to 2 days in advance, reheat gently before adding alcohol. For parties, transfer finished punch to a slow cooker on warm to keep it at perfect temperature for hours. Strain spices thoroughly to avoid biting into a clove.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, Halloween punch, apple cider punch, bourbon punch, fall cocktail, warm cocktail, Halloween drink

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/best-spiked-apple-cider-halloween-punch-recipe/