Apple Cider Punch

By Melissa Search Jump to Recipe

Upgrade your cider this harvest season with this delightful, festive, and cinnamony Apple Cider Punch.

Right behind Washington, New York State produces the most apples in the U.S. I know this firsthand. I grew up in Upstate New York and apple season is a significant event. Every year, we would go to an orchard to pick apples, buy gallons (yes, gallons) of apple cider and always ordered our Thanksgiving pies in advance. You would go apple picking with your school and on the weekends with friends. It wasn’t until I was a bit older that I discovered Apple Cider Punch. Now that I have, I look forward to it as the chilly weather approaches, just like those fond apple memories as a kid.

One of the oldest examples of this apple cider punch recipe is from Henrietta Nesbitt, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s housekeeper in the White House for over a decade. In her book, The Presidential Cookbook: Feeding the Roosevelts and Their Guests, she notes that Eleanor would have parties with over a thousand guests, so a large bowl of punch was the best solution. Like most of the recipes in this book, the apple cider punch is simple and economical. Mrs. Roosevelt insisted on being an example for the rest of the country during The Great Depression, which led to a number of not-so-lavish recipes.

Regardless of Nesbitt’s bland cooking, this apple cider punch is a tasty, seasonally appropriate standout. Combining apple cider with spiced rum and fresh fruit gives us a boozy taste of our favorite fall flavors. While apple cider punch is similar to the taste of our Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail and Apple Cider Sangria, it is less complex and made in a large batch.

The Juice Is Worth The Squeeze

There is a huge difference between store-bought, bottled fruit juice and freshly squeezed juice. Since making apple cider punch is so easy, take the time to squeeze some lemons. Bottled lemon juice, especially, has a chemical taste. It is made from lemon concentrate and contains preservatives and often lemon oil. You can also squeeze your oranges for a less sweet apple cider punch. Finally, it is important to use apple cider, not apple juice. There is a huge difference in flavor here.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make Apple Cider Punch?

When making apple cider punch, my top choice for rum is Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum. This brand is affordable and mixable. The flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove in the spiced rum work perfectly with this apple cider punch recipe. As for the cider, see if you can pick up a locally-made bottle.

What Glassware and Garnish to Use?

Serve your apple cider punch in a classic punch glass or pretty rocks glass, and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

Can I Use an Alcohol Other Than Spiced Rum?

You sure can! Apple cider punch is popular mixed with whiskey, but can also be enjoyed with vodka.

Apple Cider Punch Variations

With just one sip of this apple cider punch, you’ll get cozy fall vibes. Another awesome characteristic is that you can make this punch sans alcohol. If you’re hosting a school event, a baby shower, or want adult beverages optional at a gathering, make the punch exactly as is without the rum. For more festive drinks, look no further, Twist and Toast has plenty!

• Apple Cider Sangria – Love the cinnamon-apple flavor in an adult beverage? This sangria is perfect for a harvest party or autumn birthday.
• Apple Cider Old Fashioned – This version of an old classic is a great, stiff drink that is sure to warm you up.
• Dirty Shirley – Craving something with childhood nostalgia but not a fan of apple cider? Go for this sweet and fizzy Shirley Temple with vodka.
• Virgin Shirley Temple – Another fruity, fizzy option without alcohol is the traditional Shirley Temple.