Description
A warm, boozy, and simple punch made with apple cider, bourbon, and whole spices. Perfect for tailgating, parties, or cozy fall evenings, this recipe is easy to make in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) 100% Apple Cider (cloudy, unfiltered)
- 1.5 to 2 bottles (750ml each) Bourbon (mid-range like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve)
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Whole Allspice berries
- Optional: Orange slices for garnish
- Optional: Thinly sliced apples
- Optional: 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (if cider is not sweet enough)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Butter (for richness)
Instructions
- Prep the spices by placing whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice into a muslin bag or tying them in cheesecloth. Alternatively, keep them loose if you plan to strain later.
- Pour the apple cider into a slow cooker or large stockpot. Add the spice bag or loose spices. If using, add orange or apple slices now.
- Heat the base: In a slow cooker, set to Low for 30-45 minutes. On the stove, heat over medium-low until steaming hot but not boiling (look for small bubbles around edges). Do not boil the cider.
- Stir in the bourbon. For best flavor preservation, add it after the cider is heated, though it can be added at the start in a slow cooker.
- Taste and adjust: Add more cider if too strong, more bourbon if too weak, or brown sugar if too tart.
- Serve immediately in heat-safe mugs or punch glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or orange wheels. Keep warm on Low setting if serving over time.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it will become sour and bitter. Use whole spices only to avoid grittiness. The punch can be made ahead by preparing the cider-spice base a day in advance and refrigerating; add bourbon just before serving. For non-alcoholic versions, omit the bourbon.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: bourbon apple cider punch, tailgate recipe, fall drinks, slow cooker punch, warm alcoholic beverages, game day food, easy cocktail