Picture this: it’s a crisp autumn evening, you’re surrounded by pumpkins, Halloween decorations are flickering in candlelight, and you’ve got a big punch bowl in the center of the table. Inside? A golden, sparkling mix of apple cider, ginger beer, pomegranate juice, and bourbon. That, my friend, is Apple Ginger Punch—a drink that’s as festive as it is refreshing.
This recipe is quick to whip up, serves a crowd (about 10 people), and only takes five minutes to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash, a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, or a glamorous New Year’s Eve party, this punch has your back. The flavors are sweet, tart, and slightly spicy thanks to the ginger, while the bourbon gives it a warming kick.
And if you’re curious about the history, punch started out centuries ago as a way to mix spirits with fruit and spices in large bowls at celebrations. Today, it’s evolved into all sorts of seasonal drinks, from spiced apple punch recipes to sparkling holiday cocktails.
Before we dive into the recipe, quick disclosure: some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to purchase, at no cost to you. Now let’s get to the fun part.
Jump to
- Why You’ll Love This Apple Ginger Punch
- Apple Ginger Punch Basics: Booze, Sweetness, and Tartness
- Ingredients and Substitutions for Apple Ginger Punch
- Apple Ginger Bourbon Punch Recipe Card
- Nutrition Information for Apple Ginger Punch
- Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Occasion Variations for Apple Ginger Punch
- FAQs
- Related recipes
Why You’ll Love This Apple Ginger Punch
This isn’t just another cocktail—it’s a guaranteed party starter. Here’s why people keep asking for this punch every holiday season:
- Crowd-pleasing and easy: It’s a large batch cocktail recipe that comes together in minutes.
- Flavor-packed: A mix of sweet apple cider, tangy pomegranate juice, citrusy lemon, and spicy ginger beer creates a fruity ginger cocktail that hits every note.
- Festive look: Bright garnishes like orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks make the punch bowl shine at your table.
- Adaptable: Want a non-alcoholic version? Swap bourbon and sparkling wine for club soda or ginger ale, and you’ve got a non-alcoholic Apple Ginger Punch.
Trust me, whether you’re a home cook experimenting with fall cocktail ideas or a busy parent needing a quick festive drink, this recipe will be your go-to.
Looking for more easy drink recipes for parties? Check out our guide to easy drink recipes for parties.
Apple Ginger Punch Basics: Booze, Sweetness, and Tartness
When it comes to making punch, there are no strict rules—just a balance of three main elements: booze, sweetness, and tartness. That’s the magic formula behind this Apple Ginger Punch.
- The Booze: A good bourbon apple drink adds warmth and depth. You could also swap in aged rum if that’s more your vibe. For festive sparkle, add a splash of cava, prosecco, or dry brut sparkling wine.
- The Sweetness: Apple cider is the classic choice. It’s cloudier and richer than apple juice, giving the drink that cozy fall character.
- The Tartness: Pomegranate juice and a touch of lemon juice bring in a tangy brightness.
This combination makes the punch perfect for any season. Think of it as your go-to Thanksgiving punch recipe, your easy Christmas cocktail punch, and even your New Year’s Eve party punch.
Want something a little lighter? You can play around with the booze-to-juice ratio or make it sparkling by topping it with soda water for a bubbly apple and ginger spritz.
Ingredients and Substitutions for Apple Ginger Punch
Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Apple Ginger Punch, plus some easy swaps to fit different tastes and occasions:
- Bourbon Whiskey: The heart of this drink. For a slightly different profile, try aged rum for a tropical twist.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or Grand Marnier adds citrus depth.
- Optional Ginger Liqueur: Something like Domaine de Canton really boosts that ginger flavor.
- Apple Cider: The key difference between apple cider vs apple juice is that cider is unfiltered, cloudier, and has a more robust flavor. Apple juice is clear, sweeter, and lighter—still usable if that’s what you’ve got.
- Pomegranate Juice: For that tangy pomegranate apple drink and a dose of antioxidants.
- Lemon Juice: Just enough to brighten everything up.
- Ginger Beer: Brands like Fever-Tree or Bundaberg give you that spicy kick. Want something gentler? A ginger ale substitute for ginger beer works too.
- Sparkling Wine: Dry brut, cava, or prosecco. For a lighter or non-alcoholic version, try sparkling water.
- Garnishes: Cinnamon sticks, orange wheels, lemon slices, and pomegranate seeds.
Pro tip: To make a low sugar apple punch, cut down the cider and replace part of it with soda water or unsweetened iced tea.
Hungry after all that mixing? Try pairing your drink with these healthy apple snacks.
Apple Ginger Bourbon Punch Recipe Card
Yield: About 7 cups (serves 10)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups bourbon whiskey
- ½ cup orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice (100%)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups ginger beer (chilled)
- 2 cups sparkling wine (dry brut, cava, or prosecco)
- Garnish: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, lemon slices, pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, combine bourbon, orange liqueur, apple cider, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add ginger beer and sparkling wine. Stir gently.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks, citrus wheels, and pomegranate seeds.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer non-alcoholic Apple Ginger Punch, replace bourbon and sparkling wine with soda water or extra ginger beer.
- Apple cider vs apple juice: cider is thicker, cloudier, and more flavorful, while juice is sweeter and clearer. Both work depending on your taste.
Nutrition Information for Apple Ginger Punch
Each serving (1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 159 kcal
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
- Potassium: 149mg
This punch isn’t just delicious—it has some sneaky health perks too. Pomegranate juice adds antioxidants, while citrus juice bumps up the vitamin C. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, just scale back the cider and top it with soda water to make a lighter, low sugar apple punch.
Need another fruit-forward option? Try these refreshing festive holiday treats.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Part of the fun of Apple Ginger Punch is how it looks on the table. Presentation counts, especially for holiday gatherings.
- Punch Bowl Magic: Use a large glass punch bowl with a giant ice mold. Freeze water with citrus slices or pomegranate seeds inside for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Punch Garnish Ideas: Cinnamon sticks, orange slices, lemon wheels, and rosemary sprigs. The aromas hit you before the first sip.
- Pairings: This drink loves holiday classics—think roast turkey, stuffing, pecan pie, or a slice of classic pumpkin pie.
- For Kids: Make a non-alcoholic version and let them garnish their glasses with fruit slices for a festive touch.
This isn’t just a drink—it’s a centerpiece that doubles as a conversation starter.
Occasion Variations for Apple Ginger Punch
One of the best things about Apple Ginger Punch is how easy it is to adapt for different celebrations:
- Halloween: Add a touch of dry ice for a smoky, spooky effect.
- Thanksgiving: A warm cinnamon-spiced version pairs beautifully with the feast.
- Christmas: Toss in cranberries and serve alongside other Christmas desserts.
- New Year’s Eve: Turn it into a sparkling holiday cocktail with extra bubbly.
- Everyday Gatherings: Swap out the booze for soda water and you’ve got something similar to holiday menu ideas.
This punch truly works across the whole holiday season.
FAQs
Yes! Mix everything except the ginger beer and sparkling wine. Add those right before serving to keep it fizzy.
Serve it in smaller batches and refill the punch bowl as needed.
Go for a mid-range bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes. You don’t need top-shelf for mixing.
Absolutely. Just replace the liquor and wine with extra ginger beer or club soda.
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to two days.
Apple Ginger Punch
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
A festive and refreshing punch made with bourbon, apple cider, pomegranate juice, ginger beer, and sparkling wine—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice (100%)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups ginger beer (chilled)
- 2 cups sparkling wine (dry brut, cava, or prosecco)
- Garnish: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, lemon slices, pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, combine bourbon, orange liqueur, apple cider, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Chill the mixture in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add ginger beer and sparkling wine. Stir gently.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks, citrus wheels, and pomegranate seeds.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon and sparkling wine with soda water or extra ginger beer. Apple cider is thicker and more flavorful than apple juice, but both work depending on taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Related recipes
- Christmas desserts for sweet endings.
- Seasonal pies for holidays like strawberry rhubarb and apple pie.
- Holiday menu ideas to plan your full table.
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