Autumn Harvest Punch

Ingredients:

3 cups apple cider (or apple juice)
1 can frozen orange juice (6 oz.)
2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups club soda
1/4 cup honey
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick broken into pieces)
1-2 tsp. whole cloves
Orange slices (for garnish)
Cranberries (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients except club soda, orange slices and cranberries. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, strain and discard spices. Allow to cool. Pour into large punchbowl or pitcher. Add chilled club soda just before serving and stir. Garnish punch with orange slices and fresh cranberries (float them on top). Serve over crushed ice.

Spiced Autumn Apple Cider

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple cider (or apple juice)
1 can frozen orange juice (12 oz.)
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 cups water
1 tsp. cinnamon (or 2 cinnamon sticks)
2 whole cloves

Directions:

Combine ingredients in large pot (or crock pot). Heat until steaming, but not boiling. Serve in mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Another variety you can try is Spiced Carmel Apple Cider. Just add 2 tsp. caramel topping to the steaming cider and top with 2 tbs. whipped topping. Drizzle a little caramel over the top before serving, for an extra treat! For an adult variety, you can add apple brandy (or "calvados?" to your Spiced Autumn Apple Cider.