Description

This festive Thanksgiving Cider Punch is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail combining apple cider, vodka, apple butter, and spices, topped with champagne and ginger beer for a sparkling finish. It features a cinnamon-sugar rim and garnishes with apple slices and star anise, making it a charming and seasonal drink perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cocktail Base

8 cups apple cider
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup apple butter
4 dashes orange bitters
4 cinnamon sticks
1–2 star anise (optional)

Toppings and Garnishes

1 bottle (750 ml) champagne
2 bottles ginger beer
2 apples, sliced
star anise, for garnish

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

2 tablespoons coarse sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
pomegranate or orange juice, for the rim

Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix together the apple cider, vodka, apple butter, and orange bitters until well combined. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise if using, then chill the mixture until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the Punch for Serving: Just before serving, fill your punch bowl with ice. Pour in the chilled cider mixture, then add the bottle of champagne and the bottles of ginger beer. Stir gently to combine and chill further.
Serve with Garnishes: Add ice cubes to individual cocktail glasses, then pour the punch over the ice. Garnish each glass with slices of apple for added texture and visual appeal.
Create the Cinnamon Sugar Rim: On a small plate, combine the coarse sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Dip the rim of each glass into a thin layer of pomegranate or orange juice to moisten, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim evenly for a spicy-sweet accent.

Notes

You can omit vodka for a non-alcoholic version and increase the ginger beer and champagne substitutes with sparkling water.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon sticks and star anise according to your preferred spice intensity.
Serve immediately after mixing the champagne and ginger beer to retain the fizz.
Use fresh apples for garnish to ensure crispness and visual appeal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Thanksgiving punch, apple cider cocktail, holiday drink, cider punch, sparkling punch, fall cocktail