Fall Apple Harvest Punch

Fall is probably my favorite time of the year. Leaves turn into wonderful shades of crimson and yellows, the weather is cooler and I find that people in general start to get into the celebratory Holiday mood. The season screams celebration and the bounty of autumn brings delicious flavors to add to our menus. One of the easiest ways to add a touch of fall to your festivity is with a delicious cocktail and this Fall Apple Harvest Punch will get everyone in the mood to celebrate!

This deliciously spiced punch from my Passionista Kitchen combines a rich buttery undertone, a touch of freshness from the lime, warm spice and a crisp apple flavor. This punch can be make ahead of time and once served you just top off with a touch of sparkling wine to add some effervescence. Although it may sound like it will be a very sweet cocktail, it is not. It's deliciously balanced!

I like serving it in a large glass pitcher for easy pouring and have some apple slices and cinnamon sticks to go into the serving glasses. A punch bowl will also be a beautiful way to serve this cocktail and you can add the apple slices right into the bowl.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tablespoons store bought Butterschotch sauce - I like using Smuker's Butterscotch Sauce. Warm up in microwave oven for about 10 seconds for easy mixing.

• 1 1/2 cups of caramel vodka - I use Stolichnaya Salted Karamel Vodka

• 3 cups apple cider

• 1 cup freshly brewed cinnamon tea, warm

• 4 oz lime juice

• 1 bottle sparkling wine - reserve to top off punch if storing in refrigerator.

• Apple slices for garnish and cinnamon sticks

Combine warm tea and Butterscotch sauce in a larger pitcher or punch bowl and mix well to dissolve the sauce.

Add the rest of the ingredients to serving pitcher or bowl. If you are going to make the punch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, reserve the sparking wine until ready to serve in order to keep the effervescence fresh.

Serve in pretty glasses, garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick. Add ice if needed.

Enjoy!