APPLE CIDER THANKSGIVING PUNCH

When guests come through the door full of holiday greetings, it’s nice to have a couple of self-serve tables set up to offer a welcome drink—something both kids and grown-ups can enjoy.  This seasonal punch can work for everyone—a punch bowl and some nibbles for the adults, and a table with a Kool-Aid pitcher and cookies for the kids.  Nothing complicated here—and nothing you can’t switch around to suit your own taste.  Recipe makes 18 cups of punch—36 half-cup servings, before adding rum. 

• 6 cups Apple cider
• 6 cups Sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda)
• 3 cups Lemonade (fresh or from frozen concentrate)
• 2 cups Orange juice
• ¼ cup Maple syrup
• 4 ½ cups white rum for adult service ONLY
• Apples and oranges, sliced for garnish
• Rosemary sprigs for stirrers

Combine all ingredients except the rum and garnishes.  Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.  Add rum to adult’s punch bowl service.  Stir well and add garnishes before serving.

The Kitchen Hive