Bourbon and Apple Cider Punch
Published Nov 01, 2018•Updated Oct 11, 2024
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This festive bourbon and apple cider punch comes together with delicious apple cider, ginger beer, and bourbon. With 100+ positive reviews, this is a tested-and-perfected recipe that can be made in batches to serve to a crowd.
With cooler weather coming, our thoughts turn to apple picking, pumpkin patches, and of course apple cider! If you are looking for the most fun, make-ahead, serves-a-crowd cocktail this time of year, look no further than this batch cocktail made with bourbon and apple cider.
And while you’re grabbing that cider, be sure to get some extra so you can make apple cider muffins!
When I was dreaming up this festive Apple Cider Punch, I saw it sitting out near a Halloween slow cooker chili bar, a Thanksgiving puff pastry appetizer, or at Christmas cookie exchange, but it would fit well with nearly any gathering this time of year.
Colorful cranberries and apple slices give this Apple Cider Punch a festive look, but the flavor is pretty simple – just cider, ginger beer, and bourbon. Garnish the glasses with sticks of cinnamon and crisp cinnamon sugar apple chips.
Can I make this ahead?
I know that’s the first question that comes to mind when you’re hosting a big gathering or holiday meal. And the answer is absolutely – yes! Mix the bourbon and apple cider up to three days ahead. Wait to add the ginger beer until right before serving so that it retains its bubbles. (Note: If you really want it all done ahead, you can absolutely add the ginger beer ahead too so it will still give the cocktail flavor, but it won’t have the nice fizziness by the time you serve it.)
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Pin It NowGinger Beer
If you haven’t had ginger beer, it’s worth seeking out for this recipe. This non-alcoholic soda is what most store-bought ginger ales aspire to be. It has a clean, sweet, fizzy flavor with a lightly spicy kick from ginger. The combination of spices from the ginger beer and the apple cider make this chilled punch still feel warming. (The bourbon helps with that too!)
For Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Punch
Apple Cider Punch can be easily made without the alcohol too! If you’ll be serving it to a crowd that may include those who want to skip the bourbon, make the recipe as written without the bourbon. Set the bourbon on the side and add a shot to the glasses of those who want it.
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Bourbon and Apple Cider Punch
Equipment
- Pitcher
Ingredients
- ½ gallon Apple Cider
- 1 cup / 8 ounces Bourbon
- 1 12-ounce bottle Ginger Beer, non-alcoholic
- 1 cup Fresh Cranberries (optional)
- 1 Apple, thinly sliced (optional)
For serving:
- Ice
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips (optional)
Instructions
- Combine apple cider, bourbon, and ginger beer in a large pitcher. Top with cranberries and apple slices.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour punch over top. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can this be made a few hour early?
Yes! Even a day early will be fine
Do you have a specific kind of cider you like to use? We love the Trader Joe’s spiced apple cider and am wondering if I can use that?
I think that would be delicious! Any kind of cider you prefer should be fine in this recipe. Let us know how it turns out!
This is a great drink to try, Jess! We’d opt for the non-alcoholic 🙂
Your kids are adorable, great photo!
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Cheers,
Jessica
Thanks so much Jessica! It’s so good and so easy, especially the non-alcoholic version – my kiddos love it!