Spiced Winter Fruit Punch with Apple Cider and Cinnamon
A warm and fragrant punch blending apple cider with cinnamon and orange for a cozy winter gathering beverage. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together apple cider, fresh orange juice, sticks cinnamon sticks 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 8, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apple cider
- 2 cups fresh orange juice
- 3 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 6 cloves whole cloves
- 2 stars star anise
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sliced oranges
- 1 cup sliced apples
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 6 cups apple cider and 2 cups fresh orange juice into a large pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and 2 star anise pieces to infuse warm spices.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar and heat the mixture for 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant but not boiling.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup sliced oranges and 1 cup sliced apples to the pot and continue warming for 5 minutes, allowing fruit flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, strain out the spices, and transfer the punch to a heatproof bowl or pot for serving warm.
- Step 6: Serve in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or an extra orange slice for aroma and decoration.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Winter Fruit Punch with Apple Cider and Cinnamon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Spiced Winter Fruit Punch with Apple Cider and Cinnamon?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced winter fruit punch with apple cider and cinnamon 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 Spiced Winter Fruit Punch with Apple Cider and Cinnamon?
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 Spiced Winter Fruit Punch with Apple Cider and Cinnamon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Spiced Winter Fruit Punch with Apple Cider and Cinnamon?
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.
