A cocktail garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice resembling the Brandied Rye and Apple Punch cocktail rests on a wooden board next to more apples and cinnamon sticks.

Brandied Rye and Apple Punch (Photo by iStock/Mindstyle)

“This punch allows the subdued acidity of the apple to shine through with balanced depth and effervescence of the sparkling wine, while Canadian rye adds subtle floral qualities,” says its creator Frankie Solarik, co-owner of BarChef in Toronto.

Prep for a Party: More Whisky Punches

INGREDIENTS

4 oz. brandy
6 oz. Canadian rye
2 oz. Montenegro amaro
12 oz. apple juice
10 oz. sparkling wine
6 oz. star anise syrup (recipe below)
Garnish: raspberries, grated cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and 3 apple wheels

DIRECTIONS

Place all ingredients except sparkling wine in large punch bowl. Add large cubed ice and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with raspberries, grated cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and apple wheels. Serve in cocktail or rocks glasses. Serves 6-8.

Star Anise Syrup

2 cups plus 2 Tbsp. water
1 cup sugar
¼ cup star anise

Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and let simmer 15 minutes. Fine strain into an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to a week.