This Caramel Apple Cider Punch is the perfect fall drink to serve at holiday get-togethers. It blends crisp apple cider, ginger ale, caramel sauce, and fall spices and tastes just as good as it looks.
This is a reliable punch recipe with tips to keep the punch clear and beautiful, garnish ideas, make-ahead options, and spiked variations.
If you love fall punch recipes but want something a little warmer, be sure to try our wassill recipe and our Hot Mulled Cider Recipe.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: 5-10 minuts of prep time and no special tools
- Versatile: Scales for parties, holidays and potlucks.
- Kid and Adult Ready: SImple base with optional boozy add-ins.
Caramel Apple Cider Punch
This easy peasy Caramel Apple Punch is the perfect retro drink to serve at your next holiday party. It takes just minutes to prepare and looks absolutely beautiful when garnished with fresh apple slices and cranberries.
Serve in a large punch bowl with a ladle and glasses on the side for a super easy self-serve party drink. If you want to get really fancy, dip the rims of each glass into caramel sauce, sprinkle with sea salt and serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring.
Want to make this an adult beverage? Simple – just spike with your favorite vodka, rum or bourbon. There are so many fun ways to gussy this amazing drink up. Or, serve as for a simple yet elegant party punch.
Key Ingredients
- Apple Cider – use your favorite brand of apple cider or even apple juice.
- Ginger Ale – any brand will work. If you like your ginger ale extra spicy, you could substitute ginger beer.
- Caramel Sauce – we love Torani’s brand of caramel sauce, but if you have another caramel sauce or caramel syrup that you prefer that will work great, too. You can also make your own Homemade Caramel Sauce using our favorite recipe.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – you can find this in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
- Ice – you’ll want to add the ice just before serving so that it doesn’t melt and water down your punch.
- Apples – this recipe calls for both red and green apples simply for aesthetics. If you only have one or the other, just use what you’ve got.
- Cranberries – use fresh cranberries for this recipe so that they don’t stain the punch red.
How To Make Caramel Apple Punch
- Combine ingredients. In a large punch bowl, add the apple cider, ginger ale, caramel sauce and pumpkin pie spice.
- Add the ice, apples and cranberries. Whisk to combine, then add the ice, sliced apples and cranberries. Stir until combined.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Make it Boozy. To make a fall alcoholic punch, add one shot of vodka, caramel vodka, spiced rum or bourbon to each individual glass. Off on the side for guests to add themselves. You could also serve a mini version as a caramel apple shot.
- Serve it warm. To serve warm, heat the apple cider, ginger ale, caramel sauce and pumpkin pie spice together in a sauce pot. Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then add the apple slices. Ladle into mugs to serve.
- Add a salted caramel rim. If you want to get fancy, dip the rim of each serving glass into caramel sauce, then sprinkle with sea salt or cinnamon sugar.
- Fruity Mix-ins: Add pear juice, cranberry juice, or pomegranate arils for color and brightness.
Helpful Tips
- Chill everything. Start with cold cider/soda so the ice doesn’t water it down.
- Dissolve the caramel first. Whisk caramle sauce with a little warm cider until smooth, then add to the punch so it blends evenly.
- Add bubbles last. Stir in ginger ale or sparkling cider right before serving to keep it fizzy.
- Garnish like a pro. Thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and caramel drizzle make it look festive.
- Keep it cold. Float a cider ice ring (freeze cider in a bundt pan) so the punch stays chilled without diluting.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to drink this Caramel Apple Punch within a short time of making it. Not only does it call for adding ice, but there is a carbonated component that will lose its fizz over time.
If you do find yourself with leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm in a saucepan to serve as a hot caramel apple drink, adding more apple cider and caramel sauce to taste.
If you want to spike this fall cocktail, you’ll have plenty of tasty options. Add Old Smokey Moonshine Caramel Whisky or a little green apple schnapps for a little caramel apple flavor. Or, try adding a little spiced wine, dark rum, brandy, or your favorite whiskey.
Double or triple the base. Keep extra chilled in the fridge adn replenish the punch bowl as needed.
Use high-quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel. Avoid thick, chewy caramels that don’t dissolve well.
Whisk caramel with a bit of cider until fully dissolved. Give the punch a quick stir before guests arrive.
Yes, mix the cider and caramel up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add ginger ale or sparkling cider just before serving.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing instructions: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Make ahead: Be sure to chill and prepare garnishes ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients.
More Fall Recipes You’ll Love
Caramel Apple Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 64-oz containers apple cider, or apple juice
- 2 liters ginger ale
- 2/3 cup caramel sauce, Torani's brand or homemade
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 6 cups ice
- 2 large red apples, sliced thinly
- 2 large green apples, sliced thinly
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, add the apple cider, ginger ale, caramel sauce, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Whisk to combine, then add the ice, sliced apples, and cranberries. Stir until combined.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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This Caramel Apple Punch takes just minutes to prepare but looks absolutely stunning and tastes even better. It’s the perfect fall punch to serve at your next holiday party.
Categories:
Christmas, Drinks, Fall Recipes, Gluten-Free, Holiday Favorites, Nut-Free, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian, Winter Recipes,
Question… does the caramel sauce thicken up and get clumpy and does it mix well with the cider and soda?
It just dissolves in the punch! I didn’t have any problems with the texture.
how does it taste without the cranberries? My stores do not have them in stock yet.
It’ll be fine without the cranberries, they mostly just give it a burst of color!
Ok there is no better drink for a fall party!! This is such a fun recipe idea!
We loved it! The kids are already asking me to make it again. Thanks for sharing!