Harvest Punch is a cozy, fruit-filled drink that captures the flavors of autumn in every sip. Made with apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and warm spices, it’s the perfect punch for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy weekends. The mix of sweet and tart fruits, blended with cinnamon and cloves, makes it fragrant and festive. You can serve it warm for chilly evenings or chilled over ice for a refreshing twist. It’s simple to prepare, beautiful to serve, and loved by both kids and adults.
1. Cooking Time: 15 minutes
2. Serving: 8 servings
3. Ingredients:
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4 cups apple cider
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2 cups cranberry juice
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1 cup orange juice
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½ cup pineapple juice
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¼ cup honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
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2 cinnamon sticks
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4 whole cloves
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1 orange, thinly sliced
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1 apple, thinly sliced
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1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water (added before serving)
4. Instructions:
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Combine the juices: In a large pot or saucepan, pour in apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Stir to mix.
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Add sweetness and spice: Add honey (or brown sugar), cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir gently to dissolve the honey.
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Heat the punch: Place the pot over medium heat and warm for about 10–12 minutes until steaming but not boiling. This helps the spices infuse the juices.
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Add fruit slices: Stir in the sliced orange and apple. Let the punch simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Strain and chill (optional): For a clear punch, strain out the spices and fruit. You can serve it warm right away or let it cool and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Finish with fizz: Just before serving, pour in ginger ale or sparkling water for a bubbly, refreshing finish.
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Serve: Ladle the punch into mugs if warm or glasses filled with ice if chilled. Garnish with extra apple slices or a cinnamon stick.
5. Nutrition (per serving):
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Calories: 130
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Carbohydrates: 33g
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 28g
6. Tips:
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For a deeper flavor, simmer the punch longer (15–20 minutes) with the spices, then strain before serving.
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To make it festive, add a few fresh cranberries or a splash of pomegranate juice.
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For a party version, keep it warm in a slow cooker on low heat and let guests serve themselves.
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If you want an adult version, stir in a splash of rum, brandy, or spiced whiskey before serving.
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Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors blend, then reheat gently before serving.
