Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider Punch
A festive non-alcoholic apple cider punch with cranberry juice, fresh orange, warm spices, and sparkling ginger ale. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
By RecipeLily Editorial Team · Published October 20, 2026 · Updated November 13, 2026
Bring a little holiday magic to your table with this Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider Punch! Sweet apple cider, tart cranberry juice, and fresh orange come together with cozy cinnamon, cloves, and star anise for a wonderfully festive drink.
The apple cider is gently infused with warm spices, then chilled and combined with bubbly ginger ale just before serving. The result is a refreshing punch with the comforting flavors of fall and winter.
Serve it in a beautiful glass pitcher or punch bowl with fresh cranberries, apple slices, orange rounds, and cinnamon sticks. It's a lovely non-alcoholic drink for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, and family celebrations.
RecipeLily.com
Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider Punch
- Vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 10 mins
- Additional
- 2 hrs
- Total Time
- 2 hrs 20 mins
- Servings
- 12
- Yield
- About 12 cups
Ingredients
Servings: 12
- For the Spiced Apple Cider
- For the Sparkling Punch
- Optional Garnish
Directions
Step 1
In a large saucepan, combine the non-alcoholic apple cider, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.
Step 2
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it begins to steam gently. Reduce the heat to low and allow the spices to infuse for approximately 10 minutes without boiling vigorously.
Step 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the optional maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter punch.
Step 4
Strain the cider mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the whole spices. Allow it to cool slightly, then transfer it to a covered pitcher and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, until thoroughly chilled.
Step 5
Just before serving, pour the chilled spiced cider mixture into a large punch bowl or serving pitcher.
Step 6
Add the chilled ginger ale and stir gently to combine, preserving as many bubbles as possible.
Step 7
Add the fresh cranberries, thinly sliced apple, and orange slices. Place ice in individual serving glasses rather than the punch bowl to prevent dilution.
Step 8
Pour the sparkling punch into glasses and garnish with optional cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, or fresh orange slices. Serve immediately while chilled and bubbly.
Cook’s Notes
Use unfiltered, non-alcoholic apple cider for a rich apple flavor. Avoid alcoholic hard cider.
Choose 100% cranberry juice for a more tart punch, or cranberry juice cocktail for a sweeter version.
Prepare the spiced cider base up to one day ahead and keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Add ginger ale only just before serving to preserve its carbonation.
For a less sweet punch, use chilled plain sparkling water instead of ginger ale.
Fresh cranberries and orange slices make beautiful garnishes. Keep the punch chilled, and refrigerate perishable ingredients promptly.
