"Poison" Apple Punch
“Poison” Apple Punch
A neon-green, apple-forward punch that looks wicked but tastes like crisp fall orchard. Perfect for a big cauldron with floating apple “coins.” Non-alcoholic and party-friendly.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider, chilled
- 3 cups lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, chilled
- ½ cup green apple syrup (or ⅓ cup simple syrup + a few drops green food color)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (keeps the color bright)
- Thin apple slices for garnish
- Optional: food-grade dry ice for fog effect (safety notes below)
For kid parties, use mostly cider + soda. For a tarter punch, swap in sparkling water for part of the soda.
Directions
- Make base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, stir together apple cider, green apple syrup, and lemon juice until combined. Chill until party time.
- Just before serving: Add the lemon-lime soda to keep it bubbly. Taste and adjust sweetness with more syrup if you like.
- Garnish: Float thin apple slices (cut crosswise so you see the star) on top. Ladle into cups with ice.
Dry ice show: Carefully add 2–3 small food-grade dry-ice pellets to the punch right before guests arrive to create fog. Use tongs and gloves; never touch or chew dry ice. Let pieces fully sublimate or strain them out before serving to children.
Variations
- Poisoned Caramel: Rim glasses with caramel + black sanding sugar.
- Witch’s Brew: Add 1 cup white grape juice for extra glow.
- Black Apple: Drop a blackberry in each cup for a “floating heart.”
- Adults-Only (optional): Stir 1 cup vodka or apple brandy into the base for grown-up parties—serve separately from the kids’ cauldron.
Make-Ahead & Party Tips
- Mix the base only (cider + syrup + lemon) up to 2 days ahead; keep chilled.
- Add the soda and any dry ice just before serving so it stays fizzy and dramatic.
- Slice apples last minute and dip edges in lemon water to prevent browning.
Serving Info
| Yield | ~10 cups (8–10 servings) |
| Active Time | 5 minutes |
| Category | Drink · Mocktail · Halloween |
| Cuisine | American |