Recipe: Strawberry Apple Cider Punch

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Yields: 8–10 servings

• Category: Beverage (Non-alcoholic)

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Muddle the Berries: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, add 1 cup of the sliced strawberries and the lemon juice. Use a muddler (or wooden spoon) to gently mash them until the juices are released.

2. Combine: Pour in the apple cider and stir well to incorporate the strawberry base.

3. Infuse: Add the remaining sliced strawberries, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.

4. Add the Fizz:  Just before serving, pour in the chilled sparkling water or ginger ale. Stir gently to keep the bubbles intact.

   

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5. Serve: Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

 Tips & Notes

• Temperature Matters: Always chill your cider and sparkling water for at least 4 hours before mixing. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly and watering down the flavor.

• The Cider Choice: Use “Apple Cider” (the cloudy, brown stuff) rather than “Apple Juice.” Cider has a complex, tart profile that balances the strawberries much better.

• Sweetness Control: If your cider is very tart, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup during Step 2.

 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1 serving (approx. 8 oz) using sparkling water.

• Calories: 110 kcal

• Total Fat: 0g

  

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• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Sugars: 22g (natural fruit sugars)

• Vitamin C: 35% DV

• Potassium: 210mg

 The Benefits

• Antioxidant Boost: Both strawberries and apples are packed with polyphenols and vitamin C, which support immune health.

• Hydration with Flavor: It’s a great way to stay hydrated for those who find plain water boring, without the artificial dyes found in store-bought sodas.

• Digestive Aid: If using a high-quality, unfiltered cider, you’re getting a small dose of pectin, which is great for gut health.

  

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 Common Questions

Q: Can I make this alcoholic?

A: Absolutely. It pairs beautifully with bourbon for a “harvest” feel or with Prosecco if you want a lighter, spritzer-style drink.

Q: Can I make this a day in advance?

A: You can prep the cider and fruit mixture 24 hours early. However, do not add the sparkling water or ginger ale until the very last second, or it will go flat.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes!  Frozen berries actually act like flavored ice cubes and keep the punch cold longer without diluting it.