Haunted Harvest Punch
Haunted Harvest Punch
Sparkling pear-apple punch with ginger ale and delicate pear “ghost” slices floating on top. It’s a crisp, non-alcoholic sip that works for class parties, trunk-or-treats, and cozy movie nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pear juice (or pear nectar for sweeter punch)
- 2 cups apple cider, chilled
- 2 cups ginger ale, well-chilled
- Thin pear slices (cut vertically so the seeds look like spooky eyes)
- Optional: 1 Tbsp lemon juice to brighten; a few cinnamon sticks for garnish
Chilling everything—and adding the ginger ale at the end—keeps the punch bubbly with clear layers of flavor.
Directions
- Prep the “ghost pears”: Slice pears very thin. If making ahead, toss gently with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix: In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the pear juice, apple cider, and optional lemon juice. Chill until serving time.
- Fizz & garnish: Just before guests arrive, stir in the cold ginger ale. Float the pear slices and a cinnamon stick or two.
- Serve: Ladle into ice-filled glasses. For extra theater, rim glasses with cinnamon-sugar.
For outdoor parties, freeze part of the punch in a bundt pan with pear slices; add it to the bowl as a decorative ice ring that won’t dilute the flavor.
Party Ideas & Variations
- Spiced Cauldron: Warm the cider with 1 cinnamon stick and 2 cloves for 10 minutes; cool completely, then proceed.
- Orchard Glow: Swap half the ginger ale for sparkling apple juice for bigger bubbles.
- Lower sugar: Use unsweetened pear juice and diet ginger ale or plain seltzer.
- Grown-ups (21+): Offer a separate add-in of spiced rum on the side and clearly label the kid-friendly bowl.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Stir together juices up to 24 hours ahead; keep chilled.
- Add ginger ale and garnishes right before serving.
- Leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated (will lose fizz). Great for breakfast mock-mimosas.
Serving Info
| Yield | ~8 cups (serves 6–8) |
| Active Time | 5 minutes |
| Category | Drink · Halloween · Non-Alcoholic |
| Cuisine | American |