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Cozy Maple Bourbon Friendsgiving Punch – Easy Holiday Recipe

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A warm, maple-kissed bourbon punch that captures the cozy feeling of a speakeasy on a cold November night. Quick to make and perfect for Friendsgiving, this crowd-pleaser balances sweet maple, bright citrus, and smooth bourbon with aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (475 ml) bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Bulleit)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (from 2–3 oranges)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
  • 6–8 whole cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise (optional)
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Orange slices and fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine apple cider, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup. Whisk until maple syrup is dissolved.
  2. Add whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). This takes about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the bourbon.
  5. Cover the pot and let the punch rest for 5-10 minutes to allow spices to infuse.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus as desired.
  7. Ladle into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish each serving with an orange wheel and a few cranberries.
  8. Keep warm on the stove over lowest heat or transfer to a slow cooker set to warm. Stir occasionally.

Notes

Don’t boil the bourbon—add it off the heat to preserve the alcohol and avoid harsh flavors. Use whole spices, not ground, to prevent a gritty texture. Fresh citrus juice is essential for brightness. The punch can be made a day ahead (without bourbon) and refrigerated; reheat gently before adding bourbon. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with strong brewed chai tea or extra apple cider with vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon punch, Friendsgiving punch, holiday punch, warm bourbon punch, easy punch recipe, fall punch, maple syrup punch, bourbon cocktail

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-maple-bourbon-friendsgiving-punch-easy-holiday-recipe/