How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Apple Party Cider
American · Easy · 10 min · 16 servings
This stunning cranberry apple party cider blends tart cranberry juice with crisp apple cider for a festive non-alcoholic punch bowl perfect for holidays and fall gatherings. This easy crowd-pleasing party drink requires no cooking and can be made ahead for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumn celebration.
Why this recipe works
This Cranberry Apple Party Cider recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 95 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
- 4 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cups ginger beer
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Juices
Pour the cranberry juice cocktail and apple cider into a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir well to combine.
Step 2: Add Garnishes
Add the cinnamon sticks and frozen cranberries to the punch. The cranberries act as ice to keep the drink cold while looking festive.
Step 3: Add Ginger Beer and Serve
Just before guests arrive, gently pour in the ginger beer. Stir once softly and serve immediately over ice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ginger beer → sparkling apple juice or club soda for a milder flavor
- apple cider → unfiltered apple juice for a similar rustic apple flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Mixing ginger beer in too far in advance which eliminates all the fizz
- Using sweetened cranberry cocktail without tasting first which can make the punch overly sweet
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 95 calories, 0g protein, 24g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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