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spooky seasonal drink recipe

Haunted Harvest Punch

This elegant Halloween punch combines the natural sweetness of pear and apple with fizzy ginger ale for a festive autumn beverage. Featuring ghostly pear slices that create an eerie 'eyeball' effect, this spooky yet sophisticated drink will be the centerpiece of your fall gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups ginger ale well-chilled
  • 2 cups apple cider chilled, preferably unfiltered
  • 2 cups pear juice or pear nectar for a sweeter version
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness
  • thin pear slices cut vertically to show the seed pattern
  • cinnamon sticks optional, for garnish
  • ice for serving
  • cinnamon-sugar optional, for rimming glasses

Equipment

  • Punch bowl or large pitcher
  • Sharp knife
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Prepare the pear slices by cutting pears vertically into very thin slices to reveal the seed pattern that creates an eerie 'eyeball' effect.
  2. If preparing ahead of time, gently toss the pear slices with about a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the pear juice, chilled apple cider, and the optional tablespoon of lemon juice. Make sure all ingredients are properly chilled.
  4. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate your base mixture until ready to serve.
  5. Just before serving, add the well-chilled ginger ale to maintain the bubbles and effervescence.
  6. Float the spooky pear slices on top of the punch and add cinnamon sticks for visual appeal and a hint of warming spice.
  7. Ladle the punch into ice-filled glasses. For an extra touch, rim glasses with cinnamon-sugar if desired.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, try freezing part of the punch in a bundt pan with some pear slices to create a decorative ice ring that keeps your punch cold without diluting the flavors.
This punch is naturally non-alcoholic and family-friendly, but you can set out a bottle of spiced rum nearby for adults who prefer a spirited option.
For a lower-sugar version, use unsweetened pear juice paired with diet ginger ale or plain seltzer.