Warm Spiced Apple Cider Punch
Aromatic slow-cooker autumn punch simmered with sweet apple cider, orange wheels, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.
In a nutshell:This authentic american warm spiced apple cider punch comes together in just 2 hours 10 minutes with simple ingredients. The chef's secret: unfiltered apple cider has natural fruit body and sweet-tart complexity that clear apple juice can't match. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
With apple cider punch searches spiking +700% on Pinterest, this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Punch is the quintessential welcoming drink for Halloween parties, fall tailgates, and Thanksgiving! Simmered in a slow cooker with fresh apple cider, orange slices, tart cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
Key Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker (or large stockpot)
- Ladle
- Cheesecloth or spice bag (optional)
- Glass mugs
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Use unfiltered fresh orchard cider: Unfiltered apple cider has natural fruit body and sweet-tart complexity that clear apple juice cannot match.
- Cinnamon-sugar rimmed glasses: Dip glass mug rims in honey or maple syrup and coat in cinnamon sugar for a cozy, festive party presentation.
- Keep warm all evening: Set your slow cooker to 'WARM' after initial 2-hour simmer; guests can ladle hot punch throughout your gathering while your home smells incredible.
Ingredients
10
servings
-
8 cups (1/2 gallon) fresh unfiltered apple cider, pure orchard cider, not apple juice
-
2 cups 100% cranberry juice, tart cranberry juice for vibrant color and balance
-
1 cup fresh orange juice, freshly squeezed
-
2 medium navel oranges, sliced into wheels
-
1 cup fresh cranberries, whole
-
4 whole cinnamon sticks, plus extra for mug stirrers
-
4 whole star anise pods, for warm aromatic spice
-
1 tsp whole cloves, pressed into orange slices or in spice bag
-
1 piece (2-inch) fresh ginger root, sliced into coins
-
¼ cup pure maple syrup or brown sugar, optional, to taste
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Combine Juices in Slow Cooker
In a 6-quart slow cooker (or large heavy stockpot), pour in fresh unfiltered apple cider, tart cranberry juice, and fresh orange juice.
Add Spices & Fresh Fruit
Add sliced orange wheels, whole fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, whole cloves, and sliced fresh ginger. Stir in maple syrup if desired for extra warmth.
Simmer on Low
Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours (or on HIGH for 1 hour) until punch is steaming hot and spices have infused throughout the liquid.
Prep Cinnamon-Sugar Mugs
Dip the rims of heat-safe glass mugs in maple syrup, then dip into a small plate of cinnamon sugar to coat the rim.
Ladle & Garnish
Turn slow cooker setting to 'WARM'. Ladle steaming spiced punch into prepared mugs, spooning floating orange wheels and cranberries into each cup. Insert a cinnamon stick stirrer and serve warm!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
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View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Serve a bottle of spiced rum, bourbon, or cinnamon whiskey next to the slow cooker so adult guests can spike individual mugs with 1.5 oz of liquor.
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch oven or stockpot, bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
Strain out fruit and spices, cool completely, and store in a glass pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat individual mugs in the microwave.
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