Description
Harvest Rum Punch is a vibrant and festive drink perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. This refreshing cocktail combines the warmth of apple cider and spices with the tropical notes of pineapple and orange juices, balanced by dark or spiced rum and a touch of maple syrup. Garnished with fresh fruit slices and cinnamon, it offers a delightful holiday beverage that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¾ cup dark or spiced rum
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Spices and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix the apple cider, orange juice, pineapple juice, rum, maple syrup, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Add Fruit Slices: Add the thinly sliced apple and orange rounds to the punch to create a festive appearance and infuse more flavor. Stir gently.
- Chill: Place the punch in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to cool.
- Adjust Sweetness and Serve: Before serving, stir the punch again and taste. Adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more maple syrup or honey. Serve the punch over ice in individual glasses or in the punch bowl, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and substitute with sparkling water or ginger ale.
- You can prepare the punch a day ahead; however, add the fruit slices just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Use fresh juices for the best flavor, but store-bought juices work perfectly well.
- Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences for a milder or stronger festive aroma.
