Paul Kushner
The Apple and Cinnamon Punch is a festive large-batch cocktail that brings together crisp apple, warm spice, and a refreshing fizz. Vodka provides a smooth base, while apple juice adds orchard sweetness and ginger beer lends sparkle and a gentle kick of spice. Infused with cinnamon sticks and served in rimmed glasses dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar, this punch is as visually inviting as it is flavorful. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy evenings, it’s an easy-to-make drink that feels comforting, aromatic, and shareable.
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Tasting Notes
Apple and Cinnamon Punch is a cozy, refreshing cocktail with layers of sweetness, spice, and fizz. Vodka provides a clean backbone, allowing the apple juice to shine with crisp fruit flavor. Ginger beer adds lively bubbles and a gentle spiced kick that pairs naturally with the apple base. Whole cinnamon sticks infuse the punch with warmth, while the cinnamon-sugar rim enhances every sip with aromatic sweetness. Garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, the presentation feels festive and seasonal. Served chilled, this punch is both flavorful and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for group gatherings.
Equipment and Glassware
Preparing this punch is straightforward and requires minimal tools. A large punch bowl or pitcher is essential for mixing and serving. A long-handled spoon helps stir the vodka, apple juice, ginger beer, and cinnamon sticks without losing carbonation. A sharp knife and cutting board make preparing thin apple slices easy. For serving, use rocks glasses or stemless wine glasses to highlight the punch’s golden color and garnishes. A shallow plate is helpful for holding the cinnamon-sugar mix when rimming glasses. With just these simple tools, the Apple and Cinnamon Punch is easy to prepare and serve beautifully.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces vodka
- 20 ounces apple juice chilled
- 33 ounces ginger beer chilled
- 2 apples thinly sliced
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- Cinnamon powder and brown sugar for rimming glasses
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, combine the vodka, apple juice, ginger beer, and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Cover the jug or punch bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, mix cinnamon powder and brown sugar on a small plate. Wet the rim of each glass, then dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Pour the chilled punch into the prepared glasses. Garnish each glass with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for an aromatic, festive presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this cozy, flavorful punch!
Pro Tips
- Use freshly pressed apple juice for richer flavor.
- Opt for a bold ginger beer to highlight spice.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing to maintain carbonation.
- Rim glasses just before serving for best presentation.
- Thin apple slices float nicely and infuse extra flavor.
- For added depth, include a splash of spiced rum.
- Serve in a clear punch bowl to showcase fruit and cinnamon.
When to Serve
Apple and Cinnamon Punch is perfect for autumn and winter gatherings where festive flavors shine. It’s an excellent choice for Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, or casual holiday get-togethers with friends. Because it’s prepared in a large batch, it’s convenient for entertaining groups and requires minimal effort at serving time. The crisp apple base, warming cinnamon, and fizzy ginger beer make it versatile enough for afternoon celebrations or evening parties. Its seasonal flavors pair well with roasted meats, cheese boards, and spiced desserts, making it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at holiday tables.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Tito’s Handmade, Smirnoff, or Grey Goose.
- Apple Juice: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or fresh orchard-pressed juice.
- Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, or Q Mixers for bold spice.
- Cinnamon: McCormick or Simply Organic for sticks and powder.
- Apples for Garnish: Honeycrisp or Gala for crisp flavor and presentation.
Similar Cocktails
- Apple Juice Maple Cocktail
- Crisp Apple
- Cranberry Apple Spice Mule
- Apple Maple Dark and Stormy
- Autumn Vodka Smash
Equipment
- Punch bowl
- Small plate
Ingredients
- 8 ounces vodka
- 20 ounces apple juice chilled
- 33 ounces ginger beer chilled
- 2 apples thinly sliced
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- Cinnamon powder and brown sugar for rimming glasses
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, combine the vodka, apple juice, ginger beer, and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Cover the jug or punch bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, mix cinnamon powder and brown sugar on a small plate. Wet the rim of each glass, then dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Pour the chilled punch into the prepared glasses. Garnish each glass with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for an aromatic, festive presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this cozy, flavorful punch!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For stronger spice, let the punch infuse with cinnamon sticks for several hours before serving.
- Use spiced vodka for an extra layer of warmth.
- Freeze apple slices beforehand to act as decorative ice cubes.
