This Spiced Cider Punch is my go to winter cocktail for entertaining, cozy, lightly spiced, not too sweet, and incredibly easy to make for a crowd. It tastes like the holidays in a glass and looks just as festive.
Recipe name at a Glance
- 🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- 🍸 Servings: 6–8 (easily scalable for a crowd)
- 🍎 Cuisine Type: Winter Cocktail / Holiday Punch
- 🧂 Flavor Profile: Cozy and lightly spiced with warm apple cider, fresh ginger, subtle bourbon heat, and bright citrus sparkle from Limonata
- 📖 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free; vegan; alcohol optional
- 📦 Storage Notes: Spiced cider can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated; add bourbon and bubbles just before serving
- ⭐ Why You’ll Love It: An effortless, crowd-friendly winter punch that tastes like the holidays — festive, balanced, and easy to sip all night long.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Spiced Cider Punch because it feels elevated without being fussy. You warm apple cider with ginger and mulling spices to build deep flavor, then chill it so the final drink stays bright and refreshing. The bourbon adds warmth, and the Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda brings just enough citrus sparkle to keep everything balanced. Spiced Cider Punch is perfect for holiday parties, Friendsgiving leftovers, or anytime you want something seasonal that still feels light and drinkable. Fits in perfectly with that Thyme Apple Cider Spritz from a few years ago if you want to do a duo!
Ingredients
- Apple cider
- Fresh ginger
- Mulling spices
- Bourbon
- Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda
- Cinnamon sticks
- Apples for slicing
Substituions
🍎 Cider Swaps
- Fresh apple cider — ideal for the richest apple flavor.
- Unfiltered apple juice — works in a pinch, just add extra spice.
- Pear cider or pear juice — softer, slightly floral twist that still feels wintry.
🌿 Spice Variations
- Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice — classic mulling mix.
- Cardamom pods — warm and aromatic, very holiday-forward.
- Ground spices — work if needed, just strain carefully and use lightly to avoid bitterness.
🌶 Ginger Options
- Fresh ginger slices — bold and warming.
- Ginger syrup — smoother and slightly sweeter.
- Ginger tea bags — an easy shortcut when steeping the cider.
- Skip ginger entirely — and lean more heavily on citrus and spice if preferred.
🥃 Spirit Swaps
- Bourbon — warm, smooth, and classic here.
- Rye whiskey — spicier and drier.
- Dark rum — slightly sweeter with cozy molasses notes.
🍎 Garnish Swaps
- Apple slices — classic and seasonal.
- Cinnamon sticks — double as garnish and stirrers.
How to Make
In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, sliced ginger, and mulling spices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover, remove from heat, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the solids and chill the infused cider completely. To serve, fill a large pitcher with ice. Add the chilled spiced cider and bourbon, then top with Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda. Stir the Spiced Cider Punch gently, garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices, and pour into glasses.
🍎✨ Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Spiced Cider Punch
Double it without stress. This punch scales beautifully. Make a big batch, pour it into a pitcher or punch bowl, and let everyone help themselves.
Warm the cider gently. Let the apple cider steep with the ginger and mulling spices just until fragrant. Don’t boil it. Boiling can turn the spices bitter and muddy the flavor.
Give the spices time to shine. A slow, gentle steep builds depth and warmth. Think cozy, not aggressive.
Chill the cider completely before mixing. This is key. Cold cider keeps the final punch bright, refreshing, and not heavy or flat.
Use fresh ginger for warmth, not heat. Ginger should add subtle spice and depth, not overpower the drink. Start small and adjust if needed.
Add the bourbon last. Stir it in once the cider is chilled so you can control the strength and keep the alcohol smooth and balanced.
Finish with bubbles right before serving. Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda should go in at the end so the punch stays light, sparkly, and festive.
Taste and adjust before guests arrive. Want it stronger? Add a splash more bourbon. Brighter? More Limonata. Sweeter? A little extra cider does the trick.
Slice apples at the last minute. Fresh slices stay crisp and pretty and won’t brown or sink sadly to the bottom.
Serve over plenty of ice. Ice keeps the punch cold without diluting it too quickly, especially for longer parties.
FAQ's
Can I make this Spiced Cider Punch ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the spiced cider up to two days ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Add bourbon and Sanpellegrino right before serving.
Can I make Spiced Cider Punch alcohol free?
Absolutely. Skip the bourbon and add extra Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda for a festive mocktail.
What bourbon works best with Spiced Cider Punch?
Use something smooth and not overly smoky. A classic mid range bourbon is perfect here.
Similar Recipes
Spiced Cider Punch
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 inch piece of ginger sliced
- 2 tablespoon mulling spices
- 1.5 cups bourbon
- 2 cups Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda
- Cinnamon sticks and apple slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, sliced ginger, and mulling spices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover, remove from heat, and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain out the solids and chill the infused cider completely.
- To serve, fill a large pitcher with ice. Add the chilled spiced cider and bourbon, then top with Sanpellegrino Limonata Italian Soda. Stir gently, garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices, and pour into glasses.
