Spiced Apple Punch

At Irene’s in Austin, Texas, master sommelier Craig Collins prepares an autumn favorite with apple cider, spiced simple syrup, Gran Marnier, and brandy.

Yield: makes 12 cocktails

Time: 30 minutes

For the fall spice turbinado simple syrup:

1 cup turbinado sugar
1 stick cinnamon
10 whole cloves
10 whole allspice

For the punch:

1 ¹⁄₄ cups fresh lemon juice
²⁄₃ cup fall spice turbinado simple syrup
2 ¹⁄₄ cups brandy, preferably Torres 5 Imperial
²⁄₃ cup Gran Gala or Grand Marnier
1 ³⁄₄ cups hard apple cider, preferably Louisburg
²⁄₃ cup ginger beer, preferably Fever Tree or Reed's
Lemon wheels, for garnish
Apple slices, for garnish
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Instructions

Make the fall spice turbinado simple syrup: In a small pot, combine turbinado sugar, 1 cup water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and whole allspice. Bring to a boil until sugar has dissolved. Let cool and strain before using.
Combine lemon juice, simple syrup, brandy, and Gran Gala or Grand Marnier in a large punch bowl.
Immediately before serving, add a few generous scoops of ice and top with hard cider and ginger beer. Garnish with lemon wheels, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.

Craig Cavallo