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Spiced Rum Apple Cider Punch – A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Drink

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Apple cider: Unfiltered, fresh cider gives the best flavor and color.
  • Spiced rum: Choose a brand you like; it should taste warm and smooth, not harsh.
  • Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed if possible for brightness and balance.
  • Lemon juice: Just enough to cut the sweetness and add lift.
  • Ginger ale or ginger beer: For fizz and a spicy edge; ginger beer is stronger, ginger ale is milder.
  • Cinnamon sticks: Add gentle spice as they infuse.
  • Whole cloves: A few go a long way; they make the aroma pop.
  • Star anise (optional): Adds a subtle licorice note and looks beautiful.
  • Apple slices: For garnish and extra apple aroma.
  • Orange slices: Adds color and citrus fragrance.
  • Ice: Large cubes or an ice ring work best for slow dilution.

Method
 

  1. Chill your ingredients. Cold cider, rum, and mixers help your punch stay crisp and refreshing longer.
  2. Prep the fruit. Thinly slice one to two apples and one orange. Leave the peels on for color and aroma. If you’re prepping ahead, toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Warm the spices (optional). In a small pot, heat 2 cups of apple cider with 2 cinnamon sticks, 4–6 whole cloves, and 1 star anise until steaming but not boiling. Steep for 10 minutes, then cool. This deepens the spice without overpowering the punch.
  4. Build the base. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine 6 cups apple cider (use your spiced batch if you made it), 2 cups spiced rum, 1 cup orange juice, and 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
  5. Add garnish. Slip in the apple and orange slices along with the cinnamon sticks and a couple of whole cloves for looks. Avoid too many cloves or they can turn bitter.
  6. Finish with fizz. Just before serving, pour in 2–3 cups cold ginger ale or ginger beer. Stir gently to keep the bubbles.
  7. Ice it smart. Add a large ice block or big cubes to the punch bowl to keep it cold without watering it down too quickly. If serving in a pitcher, keep extra ice in glasses instead.
  8. Taste and adjust. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice. If it’s too sharp, top with a bit more cider. For more kick, add another 1/2 cup rum.
  9. Serve. Ladle into glasses and garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick. Enjoy responsibly.