Description
This refreshing Pomegranate Cider Punch is a delightful fall beverage blending apple cider, sparkling pomegranate Italian soda, ginger ale or ginger beer, and a hint of autumn spices from homemade simple syrup. Enhanced with crisp apple slices, pomegranate arils, and cinnamon sticks, this punch is perfect for gatherings and festive occasions, served chilled over crushed ice with a cinnamon sugar rim for extra flavor and charm.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Punch
- 3 cups apple cider
- 3 cups sparkling pomegranate Italian soda
- 1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer (for a toasty flavor)
- 1 cup seltzer, plain or flavored of your choice
- 1/2 cup autumn simple syrup (see recipe below)
- 2 to 3 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- Cinnamon sugar for the rim (about 1/3 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
- Ice, preferably crushed
Autumn Simple Syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- A few slices of orange rind
Instructions
- Make the Autumn Simple Syrup: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, water, freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange rind slices. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves, then let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. For deeper flavor, keep the spices and rind in the syrup until ready to serve; remove them before using.
- Prepare the Punch: In a large punch bowl or pitcher, gently stir together the apple cider, sparkling pomegranate Italian soda, ginger ale or ginger beer, seltzer, and 1/2 cup of the cooled autumn simple syrup. Taste the mixture—if your ginger beer is very spicy, you may want to add more simple syrup or cider. If using ginger ale, you might prefer less syrup. Adjust according to your preference.
- Garnish the Glasses: On a plate, mix about 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to create cinnamon sugar. Rim each serving glass by rubbing a wedge of orange or lime around the rim, then dipping it into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Fill each glass with crushed ice—this step is important for proper chilling and dilution.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the punch over the crushed ice in each prepared glass. Add thinly sliced apples, pomegranate arils, and a cinnamon stick for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy a festive and flavorful fall punch.
Notes
- Using ginger beer adds a toasty, spicy note while ginger ale is milder and sweeter; adjust the syrup accordingly.
- Crushed ice is essential to achieve the right chill and dilution balance in the punch.
- The autumn simple syrup can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for a few days; just remove the spices before serving for clarity.
- For added flair, consider using flavored seltzers that complement fall spices, such as cranberry or vanilla.
- You can customize the garnish with additional seasonal fruits like orange slices or fresh rosemary sprigs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
