Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Cranberry Holiday Punch

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A cozy, warm punch infused with cinnamon sticks, fresh apple, and tart cranberries, perfect for festive winter gatherings. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, brings together apple cider, cranberry juice, fresh apple for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 4 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of unsweetened cranberry juice, 1 medium thinly sliced fresh apple, 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries, 3 whole cinnamon sticks, 5 whole cloves, and 1 tablespoon of orange peel strips.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the spices and fruit to infuse deeply.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and strain the punch to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel, returning the liquid to the saucepan.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup of honey while the punch is still warm to dissolve fully. Keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or fresh apple slices for a festive touch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Cranberry Holiday Punch take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Cranberry Holiday Punch?

Refrigerate any leftover cinnamon-spiced apple and cranberry holiday punch in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Cranberry Holiday Punch?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Cranberry Holiday Punch for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Cranberry Holiday Punch?

American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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