Thirsty Thursday: The McCoy Girls’ Prickly Pear Cider Punch

Sometimes the simplest thing can seem the most complicated.

After serving punches for years at my own parties, I’ve noticed that a lot of people seem daunted when it comes to party punches and beverages. They taste my punches and tell me, “Oh, I’m just not as creative as you” or “I just don’t have the time to come up with punch recipes.” Yes, you do. I promise.

In actuality, punches are easy! And, like a witch’s brew, you can throw in any array of ingredients and come up with a perfectly pleasing punch.

That was exactly the case with this week’s Thirsty Thursday: Prickly Pear Cider Punch. I was craving cider when my mom and I spotted a Prickly Pear sparkling soda at Central Market in Dallas. We thought that it would be a great inspiration for a fall beverage. And it was!

And thus, a super easy new punch recipe for all was born!

The McCoy Girls’ Prickly Pear Cider Punch

Thirsty Thursday: Prickly Pear Cider Punch

1 part Apple Cider of choice

2 parts Prickly Pear Italian Soda (I prefer the Central Market Organics)

*For a little spirit in your punch, substitute 1 part champagne or sparkling wine for 1 part soda

Serve in cute flute or goblet, garnish with a colorful fall leaf and cinnamon stick and presto! A fabulous fall punch in seconds!

A pleasing fall punch in a pinch!

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What’s your super simple go-to punch recipe in a pinch?

Thirsty Thursday: Charlotte’s AppleJack Brandy Cider

This past Sunday, I hosted an intimate gift wrapping party for my friend, Lindsey, and I. The ultimate girly, holiday-prepping day, I had to serve Christmas cookies and, of course, Charlotte’s Cider. Whenever I make this cider, I think of Christmas in Nashville.

See, I lived in Nashville for 4 years and one year I couldn’t make it home to Dallas for Christmas. I was busy, my mom was sick and it just wasn’t the time to go. So I spent Christmas with my neighbors and it ended up being one of the most memorable Christmases I ever celebrated.

One of my best friends, Charlotte Cooper, made this delicious cider and we drank mugs of it all night long as we went caroling door-to-door in East Nashville.

Sometimes the unexpected Christmases that end up making the sweetest memories.

I hope this cider can be part of your holiday memories this year! Enjoy…

Thirsty Thursday: Charlotte's AppleJack Brandy Cider - perfect for the holidays!

Charlotte’s AppleJack Brandy Cider 

Perfect for the Holidays and Has an extra kick!

2 1.5 liters Martonelli Apple Cider

1/4 cup orange juice

2 ts lemon zest

2 ts orange zest

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

whole cloves

4 whole allspice berries

Dash of nutmeg

Dash of salt

1 Bottle Apple Jack Brandy

 

Bring to boil on medium high. Then turn to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.

After simmering 30 minutes, add 1 bottle Apple Jack Brandy (Laird’s).

The ingredients...

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What beverage gets you into the holiday spirit?Â