Every holiday gathering needs a signature drink, and this sparkling apple cider punch is one of my favorite Thanksgiving cocktails. It’s light, festive, and has all the cozy fall flavors you want this time of year: cinnamon, pear, and a little spice from the rum. It’s also easy to make, which means it’s perfect for holiday entertaining!
I first made this punch because I wanted something that looked beautiful on the table but didn’t take me away from my guests. This one fits the bill. It’s quick to make, and everyone can help themselves. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness, a little sparkle, and a subtle warmth from the cinnamon syrup. I can’t wait to make it again this Thanksgiving.
Apple Cider vs. Sparkling Cider: What’s the difference, anyway?
Apple cider is fresh-pressed, unfiltered apple juice. It’s cloudy, tangy, and a little bit rustic. Sparkling cider, on the other hand, is fizzy, sweet, and usually fermented. For this hard cider punch recipe, I use sparkling hard apple cider, which adds bubbles and a little boozy kick. If you prefer alcohol-free cider drinks, just swap in some alcohol-free sparkling apple cider or club soda for a mocktail everyone can enjoy.
Is apple cider alcoholic?
Not usually. Traditional apple cider (the kind you buy fresh in the fall) is non-alcoholic unless it’s been fermented. Hard cider is the grown-up version—crisp, slightly tart, and perfect for party cocktails!
What is the rule for rum punch? The 1-2-3-4 rule explained.
There’s a fun old rhyme that bartenders use to remember how to make a perfect rum punch—sometimes known as the 1-2-3-4 rule. It goes like this: One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak. What does that mean? One part sour (lemon or lime), two parts sweet (like syrup or juice), three parts rum, and four parts something lighter (like seltzer). In this case, we’re using sparkling cider! Follow that rule for an easy punch recipe that turns out great every time!
What are the ingredients in a spiced rum drink?
Spiced rum gets its signature flavor from warming spices like cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s smooth, sweet, and wonderful in a holiday drink. Of course there are lots of other options too, but I love pairing spiced rum with pear nectar and a touch of cinnamon syrup in this hard cider punch recipe!
What kind of rum is best with apple cider?
I like to use a good-quality spiced rum for all my rum cocktails. I find that richly spiced rums pair best with apple cider. Feel free to experiment with rums of your choice to find out what you like best!
More Festive Fall Cocktails to Raise Your Glass To
Sparkling Apple Cider Punch Recipe with Spiced Rum
This easy sparkling apple cider punch is a festive Thanksgiving cocktail made with spiced rum, pear nectar, and a touch of cinnamon syrup. Refreshing, cozy, and perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the rum, pear nectar, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, and bitters. Stir well. Chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, pour in the chilled cider and stir gently to combine.
- Add ice to a highball or a large-footed wine glass, ladle in the punch, and then garnish generously. Make it as festive as you like—the holidays only come once a year, after all!
