Sparkling Bourbon Apple Cider Punch
This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions, thoughts and recipes are my own.
Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch is the PERFECT autumnal punch! Calling for pumpkin spice apple cider, this punch sings with seasonal flavors. Perfect for tailgating, Halloween and Thanksgiving, this bubbly bourbon punch recipe makes the ultimate fall pitcher drink. Makes 1 pitcher.
Love a fall-flavored drink? Be sure to check out nonalcoholic Apple Cider Punch with Sambucus, Apple Cider Margaritas and Pomegranate Ginger Orange Sparkling Mocktail!
How ‘bout we make a boozy punch to celebrate the season of PUMPKIN?
I’m a sucker for anything that tastes like it should be enjoyed during the fall, whether it be a delicious Cinnamon Pork Chops or a pumpkin-flavored dessert, like Praline Upside Down Pumpkin Cake with Bourbon Caramel Sauce.
That said, I have qualms with nutmeg, so I wrongly assumed for more than half of my life that I disliked pumpkin. For shame!
Well, I’m here to say that I love pumpkin now. I’d just prefer it without the nutmeg, mmmkay?
Why I love this recipe:
This Sparkling Bourbon Apple Cider Punch recipe with Pumpkin Pie Spice is something everyone will enjoy during this time of year, as well as the upcoming holiday season.
You could easily pour this adult beverage in a go cup to bring along for overseeing trick-or-treating or mix a double batch to serve in a huge pitcher at Thanksgiving.
It isn’t terribly sweet, the bourbon doesn’t bite and goes down smooooooooooth.
Also, the Organic Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider? I could drink an entire bottle of this without any additional ingredients.
Pumpkin + apple + cider spices = heavenly flavor goodness.
Other fall-flavored drinks we adore: Apple Pie Moscow Mule | Pumpkin Spice Kombucha Cocktail | Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned | Gin Apple Pie Cocktail | Cranberry Mule | Pumpkin Spice Mule
What do I need to make this recipe?
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- Saucepan to make the maple simple syrup
- 8 oz. mason jar to store the maple simple syrup (if you’re making it in advance!)
- Drinking jars
- Glass Pitcher or a large punch bowl
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you need to grab from the grocery store:
- Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider — Sprouts sent me their Organic Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider to create this recipe. The cider is seasonally available in their stores. I’ve seen Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider in other groceries more recently, too.
- Maple syrup — use the real deal syrup instead of the maple-flavored stuff. It’s going to add awesome flavor to the simple syrup, which is then added to the punch. (We make the syrup because the maple is too thick otherwise.)
- Ginger ale — use your favorite brand of ginger ale here!
- Bourbon — something that’s good and drinkable, but not too fancy to where you feel guilty about mixing it into a drink. You could also use your favorite whiskey.
- Garnishes — you can do whatever feels good for you here. Apple slices and lemon slices are a great idea. Cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves also add some fun texture and fragrance to the final drink.
A note on the alcohol:
I love bourbon and whiskey in fall drinks, such as this one.
However, I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You could easily replace the bourbon with the same amount of a dark rum, brandy or a caramel vodka for a similar vibe, though different flavor of punch.
Make your own pumpkin spice apple cider recipe!
If you can’t find pumpkin spice apple cider, make your own in a large pot on the stove.
Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice per cup to your favorite store-bought cider.
How to make Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch
Make the Maple Simple Syrup
Combine the water and maple syrup in a small saucepan.
Turn on the heat to medium-high, and bring the ingredients to a simmer. This will take about 5 minutes, depending on how hot your stovetop burns.
Once the ingredients are simmering, remove them from the heat. Let ’em cool to room temperature before mixing the punch.
Make the Sparkling Bourbon Apple Punch
Combine the Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider with the ginger ale, bourbon and Maple Simple Syrup in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Stir until combined.
Chill in the fridge until it’s time to serve, and pour over ice in your favorite mugs.
Garnish with sliced apples and/or cinnamon sticks, and then sip and enjoy!
How to mix this bourbon punch in advance:
It’s a great idea to mix this punch before hosting guests, but the ginger ale will go flat if you add it too soon.
Simply mix the apple cider, bourbon and maple simple syrup together in a pitcher and chill. You could also store this in an extremely large airtight container.
Right before serving, top with ginger ale so this fall punch is nice and bubbly!
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
I love, love, love being able to entertain with a pitcher drink because they’re incredibly simple to make… and they serve more than one person at a time!
Here are some thoughts for you on using this Apple Cider Punch to serve for a group.
- Make a double batch if your people love bourbon and apples together, or if you’re entertaining a crowd!
- Mix the ingredients (minus the ginger ale) in advance, and keep ’em cool in the fridge.
- Make it kid-friendly by leaving out the bourbon! If you’re serving kids, I suggest leaving out alcohol of any punches that might catch a kid’s eye, and letting adults spike theirs in a separate (and kid-safe) spot in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your local Sprouts Farmers Market! It’s on shelves starting in September (and maybe earlier in some places) through November. I grab a few of ’em whenever I see it in stock because this stuff is delicious.
Personally, I think the maple syrup adds something special to this punch, but if you don’t want to take the 5ish minutes to make that, feel free to use whatever simple syrup you have on hand. (Assuming it’s not a flavored one!)
Of course! Leave out the bourbon, and this fall-flavored punch is delightful on its own.
Yes, but hold off on adding the ginger ale until it’s time to serve so it doesn’t get flat.=
What can I serve with this Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch?
- Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Cabbage Slaw
- Apple Rosemary Chicken Dumplings
- Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Bruschetta
- Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Toffee Bark
- Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze
- Glazed Apple Fritter Yeast Bread
Just interested in this punch?
Here’s how I made it and how you can do the same for your next autumnal get together…
Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch
Ingredients
Maple Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Punch
- 32 fl. oz. Sprouts Organic Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider
- 24 fl. oz. ginger ale
- 6 oz. bourbon
- Maple Simple Syrup recipe above
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Make the Maple Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and maple syrup.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. (This should take 5 minutes, tops.)
- When simmering, remove from the heat, and let cool to room temperature.
Make the Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Punch
- In a glass pitcher, combine the Organic Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider, ginger ale, bourbon and Maple Simple Syrup.
- Stir until well-mixed.
- Serve chilled or over ice.
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
I had no clue PUMPKIN cider existed! This is the best news I’ve heard all day! I could definitely see myself stocking up on it for all sorts of fall-inspired beverages and treats. Mega bravo!!
It does, and it is SO DELIGHTFUL! Go find you some, stock up, and make all kinds of fall-inspired beverages pronto! <3
This sounds amazing! I love pumpkin, I love cider, I love maple, and I loooove bourbon. Putting this on my fall must-make list.
It is amazing! They’re such tasty fall ingredients, so this cider is a must-have this season!
Bourbon is my absolute fave! I cannot wait to try this!
Mine too! I hope you enjoy this punch!
I am soooo ready for fall! Bring on the pumpkin and apples! This drink looks amazing!
All the pumpkin and apples! I hope fall has arrived for you and that you’re enjoying fall-flavored EVERYTHING now!
I could use one of these right now!
I’ll just send one over. 🙂
What an absolutely unique mix…love it
Thanks so much! We loved it!
This looks like the perfect party drink! What a fantastic mix of flavors!
Yes! I agree with you. I bet a crowd would ADORE this punch during the fall!
Wanttttt! These are so fun! They are so pretty too!
Thanks so much! I’m all for fun, pretty AND delicious drinks!
Monday or not, I WANT THIS! haha I’d love this any day of the week!
You totally deserve it! This punch is good ANY day of the week!
Can this be made the day before to save on time ?
Hey Sara, you could definitely make some of this the day in advance! I’d make the maple simple syrup and let it cool in the fridge. Once chilled, mix with the bourbon and the cider. The day of, pour in the ginger ale (so it doesn’t go flat overnight!) and enjoy!