This Thanksgiving Punch is the dazzling showstopper your holiday gathering has been waiting for. Bursting with crisp apple cider, tart cranberry juice, sweet orange, and a hint of warming cinnamon, each glass sparkles with festive cheer. Lush slices of apple and orange mingle with vibrant cranberries for a punch that looks just as delightful as it tastes—whether you’re hosting a lively family dinner or simply cozying up with friends, this is the kind of welcoming, crowd-pleasing drink everyone will want a refill of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Punch:
- 4 cups apple cider (chilled)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, chilled)
- 1 cup orange juice (no pulp)
- 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water
- ½ cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 apple (sliced)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- ice for serving
How to Make Thanksgiving Punch
Step 1: Mix the Base
Grab your largest pitcher or punch bowl—this is where the magic starts! Pour in the chilled apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. If you’re feeling a little extra or want added sweetness, splash in the pineapple juice. Give everything a good stir so the autumn flavors mingle perfectly.
Step 2: Add Fruit and Spices
Layer in the sliced orange and apple, along with those radiant fresh cranberries and the cinnamon sticks. These not only make your Thanksgiving Punch jaw-droppingly pretty, but they infuse every sip with subtle flavor. Stir gently to spread the fruit and spices throughout.
Step 3: Finish with Fizz
To guarantee that glorious sparkle, hold off on pouring in the ginger ale or sparkling water until right before serving. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to lose too many bubbles. The effervescence ties all the flavors together beautifully!
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill individual glasses with ice (or use frozen fruit slices for an elegant twist—no watered-down drinks here), then ladle or pour the punch over the top. Be generous with the fruit and garnishes in each glass for maximum flavor and visual charm.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Punch
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Thanksgiving Punch. Tuck a cinnamon stick or a few extra cranberries into each glass, or float a thin orange wheel on top for a pop of color. Even a star anise pod or a twist of apple peel can make each serving look truly special and festive.
Side Dishes
This punch is a lovely match for classic holiday appetizers—think maple-roasted nuts, mini quiches, or a cheese and charcuterie board. Its bright, fruity flavors pair effortlessly with savory snacks, and it’s equally refreshing alongside turkey sliders, stuffing bites, or even a slice of pumpkin pie.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve Thanksgiving Punch in a sparkling glass punch bowl with plenty of floating fruit and cinnamon sticks. For individual servings, try mason jars with striped paper straws, or rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for an extra holiday flourish. Edible flower petals or frosted rosemary sprigs make it picture-perfect for the gram!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Thanksgiving Punch (rare, but possible!), simply strain out the fruit and store the punch in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just give it a quick stir before pouring next time.
Freezing
Want to get even further ahead of the game? You can freeze fruit slices and cranberries on a baking sheet, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’re perfect to use as ice cubes for your next batch and keep the punch cold with zero dilution. Freezing the actual punch isn’t recommended, as the sparkling element will lose its pop.
Reheating
Since Thanksgiving Punch is best served chilled and sparkling, reheating isn’t needed (or recommended). If you’ve made a non-sparkling version and want to try it warm, gently heat the base in a saucepan, but only add the ginger ale just before serving if you’re enjoying it cold again.
FAQs
Can I make Thanksgiving Punch ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix the base (all the juices and fruit) a few hours ahead and chill in the fridge. Add the ginger ale or sparkling water right before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh.
How can I make an alcoholic version?
Just stir in about 1 cup of spiced rum or bourbon to the punch bowl for an adults-only spin. It’s a festive upgrade that still honors all the fruity flavors of the punch!
What other fruits can I add?
Feel free to customize! Pomegranate seeds, sliced pears, or even a handful of raspberries make lovely additions to Thanksgiving Punch, adding color and extra bursts of flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon or lime juice for more tartness?
Definitely! If you love extra tang, squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten up the punch. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Is Thanksgiving Punch suitable for kids and guests with allergies?
This punch is naturally non-alcoholic, vegan, and gluten-free, making it a safe bet for most guests. Just double-check juice labels for any potential allergens if sensitivities are a concern.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the cheerful clink of glasses brimming with Thanksgiving Punch to kick off a holiday celebration. It’s vibrant, simple, and bursting with the cozy flavors of the season—a recipe I hope you’ll love as much as I do. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and make every holiday gathering a little more delicious and memorable!
Print
Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Thanksgiving Punch is a delightful and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with the flavors of apple, cranberry, and orange, it’s a festive addition to any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Punch:
- 4 cups apple cider (chilled)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, chilled)
- 1 cup orange juice (no pulp)
- 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water
- ½ cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 apple (sliced)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- ice for serving
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice if using. Stir well to mix.
- Add ginger ale just before serving for a bubbly finish.
- Stir in the orange slices, apple slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the top.
- Garnish each serving with extra fruit if desired.
Notes
- For an adult version, add 1 cup of spiced rum or bourbon.
- You can also freeze fruit slices in advance and use them in place of ice to keep the punch cold without watering it down.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
