This quick and easy Sweet Tea Harvest Punch is perfect for fall gatherings. It is made with black tea and perfectly sweetened with orange juice, apple cider, and raw honey, with hints of cinnamon. It’s great served hot or cold.
For more fall and autumn inspired party drinks check out my Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail, Apple Cider Slush, and Apple Cider Mule Mocktail.
Why This Harvest Punch Recipe Works for Entertaining:
- It is alcohol free which means everyone can enjoy drinking it.
- It takes minutes to prepare but you can make it up to two days in advance (without adding the fresh fruit and cinnamon sticks).
- Can be made hot, cold, or both.
- An easy recipe to double or triple, depending on how many people you are serving.
Sweet Tea Harvest Punch Ingredients
- Unsweetened Black Tea: I chose the pre-prepared tea in a gallon jug, it’s easy. But you can also prepare your own with tea bags.
- Orange Juice: Make sure it is pulp free or your punch will have an unpleasant texture.
- Apple Cider: Local from the cider mill is the way to go but you can also buy a jug from your local grocery store. If apple cider is not available, apple juice will work as well.
- Raw Honey: Again, local honey is the best for added health benefits and supporting local farmers. Other store-bought honeys will work too.
- Orange and Apple Slices: Make sure you wash them thoroughly, you don’t want any pesticides and wax in your punch.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Always use food grade varieties, they are typically found in the baking or spice aisle at your grocery store.
How to Make Sweet Tea Harvest Punch
One of the best things about this Harvest Punch is it can be served both hot and cold! This makes it great for any climate in the fall season. This is a quick overview of the steps, there are more details below in the recipe card.
SERVING COLD:
- Dissolve the honey by heating it in the microwave or on the stove with some of the tea.
- Add the orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher or large punch bowl.
- Pour in the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and dissolved honey mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Serve in glasses over ice.
- Garnish with orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
SERVING HOT:
- Using a slow cooker: Place the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and honey in the slow cooker on high. Once it is hot reduce the heat to keep warm setting. Ladle into heat-safe glasses and garnish with fresh orange, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
- In a pot on the stove: Place the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and honey in a large pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Ladle into heat-safe glasses and garnish with fresh orange, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
A Couple Recipe Notes:
Sweeten as your heart desires. Since moving to the south I have quickly learned that sweet tea is a southern staple. It seems the rule of thumb here is the sweeter the better. In my opinion this punch is moderately sweet but feel free to add more or less honey.
Use good quality juice. Because this punch has minimal ingredients make sure you are choosing high-quality brands and 100% real juice. It is so important in getting a really delicious punch!
Place ice tongs with your Harvest Punch so party guests can take cinnamon sticks, apple, and orange slices. You can also serve more on the side if you do not want your guests removing them from the punch.
Make it boozy by adding vodka, cinnamon alcohol, whiskey, sparkling champagne, brut, or a combination. I recommend only adding a half cup of alcohol and testing it before adding more. If you have NA (non-alcoholic) spirits those can be used as well. I love this recipe with alcohol removed Fre brut, it makes this a sparkling harvest punch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Punch
Yes, this drink is caffeinated. Tea can have a significant amount of caffeine so if you plan on drinking this later in the day I recommend buying caffeine free black tea.
More Tea and Drink Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Caramel Milk Tea
- Earl Grey Milk Tea
- Cherry Matcha Refresher
- Apple Bee’s Knees Mocktail
- Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail
- State Fair Lemonade
- Espresso Martini Mocktail
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Sweet Tea Harvest Punch
Ingredients
- 1 orange; thinly sliced
- 1 apple; thinly sliced
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup honey; or to taste
- 2 cups unsweetened black tea
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup apple cider
Instructions
Serving Cold
- Add the honey to a ¼ cup of the tea and heat until the honey is dissolved. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or heat on the stove over high heat for about 5 minutes.
- To a pitcher or large punch bowl, add the orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
- Pour in the unsweetened black tea, orange juice, apple cider, and dissolved honey mixture.
- Stir well until combined. Serve in glasses over ice.
Serving Hot
- SLOW COOKER METHOD: Place the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and honey in the slow cooker on high. Once it is hot reduce the heat to keep warm setting.
- STOVE POT METHOD: Place the black tea, apple cider, orange juice, and honey in a large pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
- Ladle into heat-safe glasses and garnish with fresh orange, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
Video
Notes
Storing Information:
- In the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before drinking.
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
If you make my Sweet Tea Harvest Punch, don’t forget to leave this recipe a rating, comment, or like. Tag me on social media using the hashtag #EntirelyElizabeth when sharing your own personal photos making this recipe. I would love to see your version and know your thoughts!
Soooooo good ?
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!
~Elizabeth