This post may contain affiliate links.
Apple cider punch is my favorite thing to stir together when the weather turns cool and people are coming over, a big pitcher of honeycrisp apple cider spiked with rum, orange juice, and warm cinnamon. I made a batch for a *crisp fall get together* and the whole house smelled like autumn before anyone even took a sip. It takes about 10 minutes to mix up. If you love cozy fall drinks, our slow cooker wassail is another must try.
This honeycrisp apple cider rum punch tastes like fall in a glass, sweet apple cider with cozy cinnamon and a smooth splash of rum.
Apple Cider Punch Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🌡️ Cook Time: No cooking
- ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- 🍽️ Serving: 6 servings
- ⚡ Calories: 286kcal
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Sweet honeycrisp apple cider with warm cinnamon and smooth rum
- ✋ Difficulty: Easy, about as simple as our white wine spritzer
Quick Answer
Pour honeycrisp apple cider, rum, and orange juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir to combine. Add cinnamon sticks along with thin slices of apple and orange, then refrigerate for at least one hour so the flavors meld and the punch gets cold. Serve it over ice, garnished with more fruit slices and fresh cinnamon sticks. For a non alcoholic version, simply leave out the rum and add a splash more apple cider or orange juice. It takes about 10 minutes to mix up.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
Click to see the technique science
- Just stir and chill. This apple cider punch is mixed in one pitcher in about 10 minutes, no cooking or shaking required.
- Big batch friendly. One recipe fills a pitcher or small punch bowl, so it is perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Cozy fall flavor. Honeycrisp apple cider and cinnamon sticks give it that warm, spiced autumn taste in every sip.
- Easy to make ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling, so you can mix it up before your guests arrive.
- Simple to customize. Leave out the rum for a family friendly version, or swap in bourbon or spiced rum for a different twist.
- Beautiful garnish. Floating apple and orange slices with cinnamon sticks make it look festive with no extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It stirs together in one pitcher in about 10 minutes.
- Honeycrisp apple cider and cinnamon give it cozy, spiced fall flavor.
- It is a big batch drink perfect for a crowd, just like our slow cooker wassail.
- It is easy to make ahead and just as easy to make non alcoholic.
Key Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this apple cider punch.
- Honeycrisp apple cider: The sweet, crisp base of the punch. Use a good quality apple cider, chilled, for the best fresh apple flavor.
- Rum: A smooth splash of rum gives the punch its cozy kick. White or spiced rum both work beautifully.
- Orange juice: Adds a bright citrus note that balances the sweet cider and warm spice.
- Cinnamon sticks: Steeped in the punch to add warm, spiced fall flavor and a pretty garnish.
- Apple and orange slices: Thinly sliced and floated in the punch for garnish and a fresh burst of fruit.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Variations and Substitutions
This apple cider punch is easy to make your own. Here are a few ideas.
- Leave out the rum and add a splash more cider for a family friendly non alcoholic punch.
- Swap the rum for bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy for a different flavor.
- Add a can of ginger ale or sparkling cider right before serving for a fizzy version.
- Warm it gently on the stove or in a slow cooker for a hot spiced cider like our wassail.
- Add a few whole cloves or a star anise for even more warm spice.
How to Make Apple Cider Punch
- Pour the honeycrisp apple cider, rum, and orange juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Add the cinnamon sticks and stir everything together to combine.
- Add the thinly sliced apple and orange, then refrigerate for at least one hour so it gets cold and the flavors meld.
- Serve the punch cold over ice, garnished with more fruit slices and fresh cinnamon sticks.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use good quality apple cider, since it is the main flavor. Fresh honeycrisp cider from the refrigerated section tastes best.
- Chill everything first so the punch is cold right away and you do not have to water it down with too much ice.
- Let it sit at least an hour so the cinnamon and fruit have time to flavor the punch.
- Add ice to individual glasses rather than the whole pitcher so the punch does not get watery.
- Adjust the rum to taste, add more for a stronger drink or leave it out entirely for a mocktail.
- Garnish generously with apple and orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive look.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
Serve apple cider punch cold, ladled into glasses over ice, with plenty of apple and orange slices and a cinnamon stick in each glass. It is the perfect drink for fall parties, Thanksgiving, and cozy holiday gatherings.
It fits right into a festive drink lineup. Set it out next to our boozy white hot chocolate or a mug of slow cooker hot cocoa for a cozy drink station.
Because it is a big batch drink you can make ahead, it is great for entertaining. For more party cocktails, try our French 75 or a vodka cranberry.
Apple Cider Punch FAQs
Store leftover apple cider punch covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens as it sits. If you added ice to the pitcher, strain it out before storing so the punch does not get watered down. Give it a stir before serving again.
Yes, this punch is perfect for making ahead. Mix everything except the ice up to a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. The cinnamon and fruit flavor the punch even more overnight. Add ice to individual glasses just before serving.
Simply leave out the rum and add a splash more apple cider or orange juice in its place. You will still get all the cozy apple and cinnamon flavor in a family friendly punch that everyone can enjoy. You can also serve the rum on the side so guests can add their own.
A smooth white rum keeps the apple cider flavor front and center, while spiced rum adds extra warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon that pair perfectly with fall flavors. Bourbon or apple brandy also work beautifully if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Absolutely. Gently warm the cider, orange juice, and cinnamon on the stove or in a slow cooker, then stir in the rum just before serving so the alcohol does not cook off. Serve it in mugs with the fruit and cinnamon garnish for a hot spiced cider.
A large pitcher, a drink dispenser with a spout, or even a big mason jar all work great. If you are serving a crowd, a beverage dispenser lets guests refill their own glasses. Just make sure whatever you use is big enough to hold a half gallon of cider plus the extras.
Love cozy fall drinks? Make our slow cooker wassail next.
When the season calls for green instead of cider, our football punch is the game day bowl.
Apple Cider Rum Punch
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon Honeycrisp Apple Cider I recommend Fowler Farms brand
- 1 cup rum
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 Honeycrisp apple thinly sliced
- 1 orange thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir to combine. Let sit at least one hour in the fridge. Serve cold, garnish with fruit slices and more cinnamon sticks.1/2 gallon Honeycrisp Apple Cider
Video
Notes
- If you cant find Honeycrisp Apple Cider any cider will work or even apple juice.
- If you do not want fruit in your cocktail you can absolutely leave it out.
- The cinnamon sticks really make this drink and give it a punch so do not forget to use them.
- We like to use pulp free orange juice in this recipe but if you are a pulp fan go ahead and use it.
- We used spiced rum in this recipe, you can use whatever brand is your favorite.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen on Instagram and @danadevolk on Pinterest for more!
Can I make this hot?
Delicious and so easy to make! I added a little seltzer and ginger beer for some fizz and to cut the sweetness a bit. Thanks for the great fall recipe, everyone at my Halloween party loved it.
How long can we store this drink?
How big is the container you’re using. I have a 2 gallon dispenser and wondering if I should tweak the recipe based on this.
SO glad you liked it!!
This was delicious. It was gone long before the party was over. I knew I should have doubled
Yum, great recipe and beautiful photos!
Yummy drink. Trader Joe’s has the Honey crisp cider too!
Honeycrisp is the only apple I eat!!! So naturally I love your recipe 🙂 And the photos are so beautiful, I just love the color of that punch.
This is the perfect recipe for holiday dinners and parties!