Pomegranate Cider Punch
User Reviews
5
Pomegranate Cider Punch
Description
The Pomegranate Cider Punch is a mixed drink featuring a base of apple cider and sparkling pomegranate Italian soda for a fruity effervescence. Ginger ale or ginger beer adds a mild to strong spicy ginger flavor, complemented by seltzer water which dilutes the sweetness and adds bubbles. The drink is sweetened with an autumn-inspired simple syrup made by simmering brown sugar with nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange rind, which infuse warm spices and citrus notes.
Serving the punch over crushed ice is crucial to keep it chilled and slightly diluted for balanced flavor. Adding thinly sliced apples, fresh pomegranate arils, and cinnamon sticks as garnishes contributes texture, aroma, and visual appeal. The sugar and cinnamon mixture used to rim glasses adds an extra touch of spice sweetness that highlights the fall flavors.
The simple syrup can be made ahead and stored chilled for convenience, leaving spices and orange rind in until right before use for ongoing infusion of flavor. Adjustments to ginger beer or ale and syrup quantity allow customization of sweetness and spice level. This punch suits festive gatherings or casual sipping during autumn and winter months, delivering a refreshing yet cozy drink with multiple layers of fruity and spiced taste.
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple cider
- 3 cups Pomegranate Italian Soda sparkling
- 1 cup ginger ale which will make it have a little toast!, or ginger beer
- 1 cup seltzer water plain or flavored of your choice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup recipe below, autumn
- 2 to 3 apple thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 3 to 4 cinnamon stick plus extra for garnish
- cinnamon sugar for the rim
autumn simple syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- 3 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- orange rind a few slices
Instructions
punch
- Stir the ingredients together gently and taste. All ginger beers can be different, so you may want to add more simple syrup or cider if yours is super spicy. You can also use ginger ale, but in that case you may want LESS simple syrup than what is called for. You can always add more syrup if you’d like!
- Place sugar (about 1/3 cup) and cinnamon (1 teaspoon or so) on a plate. Rim each glass with a wedge of orange or lime and dip in the sugar. Add the ice to the glass.
- Serve the punch over crushed ice (this is important!) and garnish with extra pomegranate arils.
autumn simple syrup
- Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. You can store this in the fridge for a few days – I keep the spices and rind in the syrup for flavor, but remove right before using.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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