Description

Celebrate the cozy flavors of fall with this Festive Autumn Harvest Punch, a refreshing and vibrant drink that combines apple cider, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemonade, and sparkling water, enhanced with cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and fresh fruit slices. Perfect for gatherings and sure to delight your guests with its seasonal charm.

Ingredients

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Liquid Ingredients

4 cups apple cider (freshly pressed for best flavor)
2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
2 cups lemonade (homemade for freshness)
2 cups sparkling water (for fizz)
1/4 cup maple syrup (honey or agave can be used)

Fresh Herbs & Spices

1 bunch rosemary (fresh recommended)
2 sticks cinnamon sticks (for added spice)

Fruits

2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
1 medium orange (for garnish and juicing)

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Instructions

Combine Main Liquids: In a large pitcher, pour in 4 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 2 cups of lemonade. Stir thoroughly to blend all the liquids evenly.
Prepare and Add Fruits: Wash and thinly slice 2 medium apples and 1 medium orange. Add these fresh fruit slices to the pitcher, which will infuse the punch with natural flavor and a festive look.
Add Sweetener and Herbs: Drizzle 1/4 cup of maple syrup over the mixture for natural sweetness. Toss in a handful of fresh rosemary sprigs and the 2 cinnamon sticks to introduce herbal and spicy aromas. Stir gently to mix without bruising the herbs.
Chill the Punch: Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the punch to chill thoroughly.
Finish with Sparkling Water: Just before serving, pour in 2 cups of sparkling water to add refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the punch into a decorative punch bowl. Garnish attractively with additional slices of apple and orange, and a few sprigs of rosemary for a festive presentation.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly pressed apple cider and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave syrup based on preference or dietary needs.
Make sure to chill the punch sufficiently to allow the flavors to blend and enhance.
If you prefer a less sweet punch, reduce the maple syrup amount accordingly.
The sparkling water should be added just before serving to maintain its fizz.
This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegetarian.