(Easy) Spiked Cider Holiday Punch Recipe

It’s that spiked cider time of year! By far, one of my favorite fall / winter cocktails is spiked cider. Have you ever tried it?

I’ve been making this spiked apple cider for the last couple of years and it never fails! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved regular (un-spiked) apple cider, but then I tried spiked cider at some holiday party years ago and I just can’t go back.  It tastes oh-so-good AND warms you up like nobody’s business.

So I’m sharing the cocktail recipe, in case anyone needs an easy holiday cocktail idea that can be batched, like this one.

Because this time of year, nothing warms your insides up like a strong whiskey drink, except maybe your kid(s) seeing Santa for the first time or Christmas morning when you were a kiddo…or a whole slew of other Christmas moments. BUT I THINK YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

The thing I love most about batch cocktails like this one that can be served in a punch bowl, is that guests can serve themselves. But also, the fact that I get to break in my rarely used (very pretty) punch bowl, is a bonus.

If you’re hosting a holiday party or having a few guests over for something more low key, you know how nice it is to have something, ANYTHING checked off your list of things to do.

And because guests can serve themselves they might even feel more inclined to help restock when the punch bowl runs low (bc it’s easy to spot). So this spiked cider recipe has a special place in my holiday (entertaining) heart.

It could also be a great option to bring / make for a holiday potluck once all the food has been covered. And I promise the host will love that someone thought to bring a spiked punch to the party. Though you may want to check ahead of time, just in case.

Did I mention you can also serve this holiday cocktail hot OR cold?!

So, if you want make your own spiked cider this holiday season, I’ve included all the ingredients and instructions below. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the printer friendly version of this recipe.

Ingredients for Simple Cider Whiskey Punch

• 4-6 cups of whiskey (depending on how strong you like your drinks)
• 6 cups of apple cider (steer clear of any apple juice from concentrate)
• .5 cup of fresh lemon juice
• .5 cup of water (if you skip on using ice, double this amount)
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 1.5 tsp nutmeg
• cinnamon sticks, apple slices, orange rounds, and edible flowers* (all optional to float on top)

How to Make Spiked Cider Whiskey Punch

1.  Combine main ingredients.

Combine whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice, and water. Which is all ingredients listed, minus the last line of embellishments. Sprinkle in cinnamon and nutmeg.

2. Stir and pour.

Then stir. Pour over ice.

3. Add embellishments if desired.

Add cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and orange rounds for decorative top floaters.

*Extra tip – If it’s an especially blistering winter evening, try making this recipe over the stove in a big pot for a warm drink everyone can sip on. Hold the cinnamon sticks, and add them in as you serve as a little garnish.

I hope this holiday punch makes your fall or winter a little brighter. Now I want to hear from you.

P.S. Here’s the link to my punch bowl and my coupe glasses.

Have you done a spiked cider or any kind of batch cocktail for holiday parties in the past? What did you make? I’m curious to hear what you’re making this holiday season.