Cold Apple Cider Punch Buckets are a fun way to serve a large batch of punch for a group. Get creative with this easy fall punch recipe, individual drink buckets and fall patterned socks to wow your guests! These festive drinks are perfect to serve at a fall party or Thanksgiving.
Creative Apple Cider Punch Buckets
When I came up with the idea for Apple Cider Punch Buckets, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out—but I’m thrilled with how adorable and festive these fun party drinks ended up being!
Drink buckets are not only for summer, but perfect for fall! I wanted a way to turn them into cozy drinks. My idea was that these adorable fall patterned socks could be like a mini sweater wrapped around the cup.
I think they turned out so cute and make the perfect fall party drinks!
What You’ll Love About These Apple Cider Buckets:
- This punch recipe is simple and delicious!
- Drink Buckets are unique and fun.
- Mix your love of crafting with a recipe to wow your guests.
- Quickly transform socks into cozy fall sweater drink wraps.
- You can make a big batch of creative drinks in minutes!
- It’s a family friendly alcohol free punch recipe.
- Perfect to serve to a group at Thanksgiving or any fall party.
What You’ll Need:
For the Drink Buckets
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For the Punch Recipe
- Apple Cider
- Cran-Apple Juice
- Sparkling Apple Cider
- Oranges
- Apples
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Ice
I hope you love this fun new party drink idea! Print the recipe here and be sure to watch my tutorial video below for the full instructions. Let me know if you make this. Happy Fall Ya’ll!
If you love sweet tea or sangria, be sure to check out my tea based Autumn Spice Punch recipe or my Easy Fall Sangria recipes as alternatives to this Apple Cider Punch.
Apple Cider Punch Buckets
Ingredients
- ½ Gallon Apple Cider
- 25 oz Cran-Apple Juice
- 8 oz Sparkling Cider
- 1 orange freshly squeezed
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Apple thinly sliced for garnish
- 1 Orange thinly sliced for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
Prepare your drink buckets:
- With sharp fabric scissors, cut the sock at the ankle to remove the foot section (you can save the extra part to wear as no show socks).
- Turn a drink bucket upside down on a table and place the sock onto the outside of the bucket.
- Repeat until all buckets have a sock wrap.
Make the punch:
- In a large pitcher, mix the Apple Cider, Cran-Apple Juice, Sparkling Cider and the juice of one orange.
- Add cinnamon sticks.
- Place punch in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If serving the next day, wait to add the sparkling cider until the day of serving.
Assemble Drinks:
- Fill your drink buckets halfway full.
- Add a cup of ice.
- Add an orange slice and apple slice to each bucket.
- Add the bucket lid, straw and a few fall themed picks. (Optional)
- Place buckets on a tray and serve.
Recipe Video
Nutrition
Can You Serve Hot Apple Cider in Drink Buckets?
This recipe is for a Cold Apple Cider Punch, but you could definitely make hot cider in these drink buckets as well. They are food grade safe and can hold hot drinks if you prefer. A bonus is that the socks will keep your drinks nice and warm!
Here are some helpful storage tips for Apple Cider Punch:
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover punch in an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep garnishes separate: If your punch includes fruit slices or cinnamon sticks, remove them before storing to prevent sogginess or bitterness.
- Stir before serving: The ingredients may settle—give the punch a quick stir or shake before pouring.
- Freeze for later: Pour leftover punch into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers and freeze. These cubes make great flavor boosters for future drinks!
- Chill, don’t dilute: If serving later, refrigerate the punch. Don’t add ice into the buckets until ready to serve to avoid watering it down.
