Description
A warm, spiced, and boozy apple cider punch perfect for game day hosting. Made in a slow cooker with bourbon, maple syrup, and autumn spices, this easy-to-make drink is the ultimate cozy fall beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 oz (1.8 liters) cold-pressed apple cider
- 2 cups (480ml) bourbon
- 1/2 cup (120ml) real maple syrup
- 3–4 large cinnamon sticks
- 3–4 whole star anise
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Optional: Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Slice oranges into rounds and peel/slice fresh ginger into thin coins.
- Pour apple cider, bourbon, and maple syrup into a slow cooker or large stockpot. Stir well to dissolve the syrup.
- Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, ginger, and orange slices to the liquid.
- Simmer on LOW heat for 30-45 minutes. Do not boil to preserve alcohol content and prevent bitterness.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice levels as needed.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange wheel. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the punch, as this will cook off the alcohol and make the spices bitter. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add extra apple cider or water. The flavors meld and improve if made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20
- Carbohydrates: 24
Keywords: football punch, game day drink, bourbon apple cider, slow cooker punch, fall cocktail, warm apple cider, holiday drink