Harvest Punch Cocktail Drink

Harvest Punch

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Looking for a tasty autumn cocktail? You’ll love this easy-to-make Harvest Punch recipe, full of seasonal flavors!

Harvest Punch

Embrace the autumn chill with this simple Harvest Punch recipe! Crafted with apple cider, bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, this cozy beverage is perfect for fall.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

136 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Bourbon
  • 2 oz apple Cider
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz maple syrup
  • Apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Chill your old fashioned glass.
  • Pour 1/2 oz maple syrup into the shaker.
  • Measure and pour 1 oz lemon juice.
  • Add 2 oz apple Cider to the mix.
  • Measure and pour 1 oz Bourbon.
  • Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake it all up until well mixed.
  • Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
  • Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey or brandy can be used as a substitute. Both will give a different flavor profile but still work well with the other ingredients.
  • Apple Cider: No apple cider? No problem! You can use apple juice instead, although it might be sweeter.
  • Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can replace maple syrup if needed. They both bring their unique flavors to the punch.

Making a Pitcher of Harvest Punch:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 8 oz of bourbon, 16 oz of apple cider, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of maple syrup.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute or omit it. The punch will still have many flavors, from apple cider to lemon juice and maple syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Make sure to use vegan-friendly bourbon (most are, but some brands use animal products in their processing methods) and maple syrup.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
136
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
4
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
18
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
15
g
17
%
Potassium
 
119
mg
3
%
Protein
 
0.2
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.03
g
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
22
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Harvest Punch Cocktail Drink

Harvest Punch

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Embrace the autumn chill with this simple Harvest Punch recipe! Crafted with apple cider, bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, this cozy beverage is perfect for fall.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 136

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Bourbon
  • 2 oz apple Cider
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz maple syrup
  • Apple slices and cinnamon sticks - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Chill your old fashioned glass.
  • Pour 1/2 oz maple syrup into the shaker.
  • Measure and pour 1 oz lemon juice.
  • Add 2 oz apple Cider to the mix.
  • Measure and pour 1 oz Bourbon.
  • Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake it all up until well mixed.
  • Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
  • Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey or brandy can be used as a substitute. Both will give a different flavor profile but still work well with the other ingredients.
  • Apple Cider: No apple cider? No problem! You can use apple juice instead, although it might be sweeter.
  • Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can replace maple syrup if needed. They both bring their unique flavors to the punch.

Making a Pitcher of Harvest Punch:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 8 oz of bourbon, 16 oz of apple cider, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of maple syrup.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute or omit it. The punch will still have many flavors, from apple cider to lemon juice and maple syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Make sure to use vegan-friendly bourbon (most are, but some brands use animal products in their processing methods) and maple syrup.

What is a Harvest Punch?

A Harvest Punch is a bourbon-based cocktail made of bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The process involves shaking or combining all the ingredients in a punch bowl or large pitcher and stirring until well mixed.

A side shot of a Harvest Punch cocktail in an old fashioned glass on a wooden board placed on a wooden table surrounded by two apples, a white cloth and apple slices.

What is a Harvest Punch made of – The ingredients

Get these ingredients ready for your Harvest Punch recipe:

  • Bourbon: Serves as the backbone of the mixture, giving the punch its rich flavor. 
  • Maple syrup: Offers a tasty caramel note and a hint of woody flavor.
  • Apple Cider: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the punch.
  • Lemon Juice: Contributes to the tartness, giving the punch a refreshing edge.
  • Sliced Apples: Serve as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a bit of crunch.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Act as both garnish and flavor enhancer, infusing a warm spice note into the punch.

Bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, two lemons and maple syrup laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Harvest Punch?

With our simple instructions, you can learn to create a Harvest Punch:

1
<p>Start by chilling an old fashioned glass.</p>

Start by chilling an old fashioned glass.

2
<p>In a shaker pour 1/2 oz of maple syrup, it will provide sweetness to the punch.</p>

In a shaker pour 1/2 oz of maple syrup, it will provide sweetness to the punch.

3
<p>Add 1 oz of lemon juice, delivering the citrus part.</p>

Add 1 oz of lemon juice, delivering the citrus part.

4
<p>Pour in the shaker 2 oz of apple cider, giving the drink its apple essence.</p>

Pour in the shaker 2 oz of apple cider, giving the drink its apple essence.

5
<p>Finish by adding 1 oz of bourbon, it will enhance the overall flavor.</p>

Finish by adding 1 oz of bourbon, it will enhance the overall flavor.

6
<p>Fill up the shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill up the shaker with ice cubes.

7
<p>Shake vigorously.</p>

Shake vigorously.

8
<p>Strain your mixture in your chilled glass over fresh ice.</p>

Strain your mixture in your chilled glass over fresh ice.

9
<p>Add some sliced apples and cinnamon sticks. These will make your punch look more appealing and it will complement the rest of the ingredients.</p>

Add some sliced apples and cinnamon sticks. These will make your punch look more appealing and it will complement the rest of the ingredients.

History and Origin of the Harvest Punch

The Harvest Punch cocktail, a delightful blend of autumn flavors, has an intriguing history that adds charm. Its origin is not precisely known, but it’s widely believed to have emerged during the 19th century in America. The name ‘Harvest Punch’ suggests a connection with the harvest season, making it a popular choice for fall celebrations.

In the early days, punch was a communal drink, often served at gatherings and parties. It typically consisted of five main ingredients: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices. The Harvest Punch cocktail follows this traditional recipe but adds a seasonal twist with apple cider and other fall flavors.

A Harvest Punch cocktail, shot from above, in an old fashioned glass on a beige surface surrounded by Bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, two lemons and maple syrup

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FAQ

How many calories does a Harvest Punch drink contain?
A standard serving of Harvest Punch contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
How strong is a Harvest Punch cocktail?
The strength of a Harvest Punch cocktail typically ranges from 10-15% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which equates to 20-30 proof. This makes it a relatively mild cocktail compared to others.
What type of alcohol is used in a Harvest Punch?
Harvest Punch primarily uses Bourbon Whiskey as its base alcohol. Some variations may also include dark Rum for an added kick.
In what kind of glass is a Harvest Punch served?
Traditionally, a Harvest Punch is served in a punch bowl and ladled into individual punch glasses. Modern variations involve shaking the ingredients for a single serving.
What does a Harvest Punch taste like?
Harvest Punch offers a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to the combination of Bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice and maple syrup. Adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a warm, autumnal flavor profile.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Harvest Punch?
The typical ratio for a Harvest Punch is 1 oz Bourbon, 2 oz Apple Cider, 1 oz Lemon Juice, and 1/2 oz Maple Syrup. Spices are added to taste.
How is the Harvest Punch served with ice?
Harvest Punch is usually served over ice to keep it chilled without diluting the flavors too much. It's not typically served 'up' (without ice) as the chilling effect of the ice enhances its refreshing qualities.

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