Fall is upon us; there is no mistaking it. Yesterday, I walked over frosted grass to get to my cold car and clung to my warm coffee cup. As the temperature slowly declines, we invite more and more people into our homes. What better way to welcome them in from the cold than by handing them a steaming cup of apple cider? Or mulled wine? Or an adult hot chocolate? Below are our favorite fall punches that will warm you inside and out!

Fiery Cider

This is very simple to make and very tasty. Simply combine a half gallon of Hy’s Apple Cider and 2 cups of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey in a large non-reactive pot. Stir in some cinnamon sticks and warm over medium heat. Once hot, remove the sticks and pour into a decorative carafe.

Mulled Wine

There are many recipes out there for Mulled Wine. The most basic is combining 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 an orange, 1/2 a lemon, 6 cloves, 6 black peppercorns, 1/2 cup honey or sugar, 2 cardamom pods, 6 allspice berries, 1/2 cup of brandy, and 1 bottle of fruity red wine. Bring all these ingredients to a boil, reduce and simmer for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Strain the wine, bring the temperature back up to warm and serve. This is a good recipe, and it’s not very complicated. However, the good folks over at Leelanau Cellars have done all the preparation for you and bottled it. Leelanau Cellars Witches Brew is a wonderful way to save you some time and money. Simply warm and serve!

Caramel Apple Cider

This is a good one for the kiddies. Warm 1 gallon of Apple Cider in a nonreactive pot along with 2 cups of caramel sauce and 1 ½ tablespoon vanilla extract. Stir until the caramel is incorporated. Serve warm with a very thin slice of Granny Smith apple floating on top.

Chocolate Covered Pumpkin

By now most of our customers know and love Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur. Here’s a recipe that kicks this already sinfully good cordial up a notch! Get out that non-reactive pot again and add ½ gallon of milk, 1 ½ cups of your favorite hot cocoa mix (we recommend Sanders), a 750 ml bottle of Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir to incorporate, and heat over low heat, making sure the milk does not boil. Ladle into festive cups and top with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle.

Traditionally, a punch consists of five parts: sugar, spice, citrus, spirit, and water. As you can see, I have veered from the path, but I think these scrumptious concoctions will have you pulling out the punch bowl and making your guests very happy!

Enjoy!
– Jennifer Laurie