This easy apple cider punch is tailor-made for your next Halloween party. While the gloriously creepy garnish takes a little advanced prep, the drink itself can be made in minutes and is easily replenished.

The combination of fresh and sparkling cider, ginger ale, and apple brandy is dangerously drinkable. But it's the carved apple "shrunken heads" that will really grab everyone's attention. 

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Yields: 12 - 14 serving(s)

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 7 days 5 mins

Ingredients

• 2 c.

  apple brandy

• 2 c.

  fresh apple cider, chilled

• 4 c.

  ginger ale, chilled

• 2 c.

  nonalcoholic sparkling cider (such as Martinelli's), chilled

• 1/2 c.

  sweet vermouth

• 8

  dashes Angostura bitters

• Shrunken Apple Heads, for garnish

Directions

• Step 1Combine brandy, apple cider, ginger ale, sparkling cider, vermouth, and bitters in a glass drink dispenser or large pitcher. Top with ice and garnish with Shrunken Apple Heads.

• To Make Shrunken Apple Heads

  Using a marker or pen, draw on the skins of Granny Smith apples. Use a melon batter and pumpkin carving set to cut out details. Carefully peel apples. Combine 1 cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon salt in a bowl. Soak peeled apples in lemon mixture for 30 second, then pat dry. Insert a wooden skewer into the bottom of each apple and place in a vase or tall glass. Let stand at room temperature until slightly shriveled, 5 to 7 days.
  

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