Smoking Cauldron Apple Cider Punch
A warm, spiced apple cider punch with a dramatic smoky effect, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups (2 liters) apple cider
- 2 cups (480 ml) orange juice
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 3–4 star anise pods (optional)
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Dry ice (for visual effect)
- Optional alcohol: 1 cup (240 ml) rum, whiskey, or bourbon
Instructions
- Pour apple cider and orange juice into a large pot.
- Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and brown sugar to the pot. Heat the mixture on medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Add alcohol if making the adult version.
- Transfer the punch to a heatproof punch bowl or serving container.
- Using tongs and gloves, place small chunks of dry ice into the punch bowl for the smoky effect.
- Serve the punch in cups or mugs, ensuring guests avoid direct contact with dry ice.
Notes
Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Handle dry ice carefully with gloves or tongs, and ensure guests avoid direct contact with it. Adjust sweetness and spices to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: apple cider punch, smoking cauldron, fall drink, Halloween punch, spiced cider, cozy gatherings