This Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch is sweet-tart, fizzy, and made with fresh apple cider, cranberry juice, and a splash of sparkling water for bubbly refreshment. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser you can make ahead for any fall or winter celebration.
Tested twice: the best flavor comes from using 100% juice (no added sugar) and chilling all ingredients before mixing.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 3 cups (720 ml) apple cider | |
| 2 cups (480 ml) cranberry juice (100% juice, not cocktail) | |
| 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice | |
| 2 cups (480 ml) sparkling water or club soda, chilled | |
| ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste) | |
| 1 orange, thinly sliced | |
| 1 apple, thinly sliced | |
| ½ cup fresh cranberries | |
| Ice cubes, as needed | |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish) |
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free | Skip sweetener or use stevia syrup | Still flavorful from fruit juices |
| No citrus | Use white grape juice instead of orange | Keeps it mild and golden |
| Extra fizz | Use ginger ale instead of sparkling water | More festive flavor |
| Lower sugar | Use unsweetened cranberry juice and add extra apple cider | Adjust to taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill ingredients:
Refrigerate all juices and sparkling water at least 2 hours before serving. - Mix the base:
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir in maple syrup or honey if using. - Add fizz & garnish:
Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water. Add ice, fruit slices, and cranberries. - Serve immediately:
Garnish glasses with a rosemary sprig or apple slice for a festive touch.
Tested note: Sparkling water keeps bubbles crisp for up to 30 minutes. Add it last for best results.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: Mix juices and fruit slices up to 24 hours ahead. Add sparkling water just before serving.
- Kid-friendly punch bowl: Freeze cranberries and orange slices into an ice ring for a beautiful, slow-melting garnish.
- Warm version: Skip sparkling water and heat juices gently with cinnamon sticks and cloves for a cozy cider.
- Add color: Use pomegranate arils instead of cranberries for ruby sparkle.
- For big batches: Double recipe in a large dispenser for parties.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in clear glasses or a glass pitcher to show off the fruit.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas brunch, or baby showers.
- Pair with roasted nuts, cheese boards, or holiday desserts.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store base mix (without sparkling water) up to 3 days.
- Add sparkling water: Only when ready to serve, to maintain fizz.
- Do not freeze: Texture and carbonation don’t hold up well when thawed.
Food safety: Keep below 40°F (4°C) and discard after 3 days.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this without sparkling water?
Yes. You can use still water, ginger ale, or white grape juice for a non-fizzy version.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — mix all juices and fruit slices in advance, then add sparkling water right before serving.
Q3: Can I serve it warm?
Definitely! Skip the sparkling water and gently warm the juice mixture with cinnamon sticks for a spiced cider twist.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 95; Carbs: 23g; Sugar: 21g; Protein: 0g; Fat: 0g