Go Back

Caramel Apple Punch

Caramel Apple Punch is a chilled, golden sparkling apple drink made by dissolving caramel into apple cider, then finishing with ginger ale for bubbles. Thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks float through the punch for a festive, rimmed-glass presentation.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramel Apple Punch
  • 0.5 gallon apple cider Chilled
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce Plus more for rimming glasses
  • 2 L ginger ale Chilled
  • 1 cup vanilla vodka Optional
  • 2 apples Thinly sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 ice
  • 1 coarse sugar For rimming glasses

Equipment

  • 1 punch bowl

Method
 

Make the caramel cider base
  1. Whisk caramel sauce into 2 cups of the chilled apple cider until fully dissolved, using smooth, even strokes to remove any streaks.
  2. Pour the caramel cider and the remaining chilled apple cider into a punch bowl, and add vanilla vodka if using.
Add fruit and spices
  1. Add the thinly sliced apples and cinnamon sticks to the punch bowl so they float throughout the drink.
Rim the glasses
  1. Dip glass rims in caramel, then press into coarse sugar to coat the edges in a sweet, crunchy layer.
Finish and serve
  1. Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale and add ice to keep the punch sparkling and cold.
  2. Ladle the punch into the rimmed glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

For the clearest flavor, chill the apple cider and ginger ale in the fridge beforehand; the punch stays bubbly longer. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 1 day, but expect less carbonation after chilling—freeze: no. For a non-alcohol version, skip the vanilla vodka and proceed the same way (it still tastes balanced with the caramel and spices).