There’s just something magical about gathering friends and family around a bowl of Thanksgiving Punch. This sparkling, fruit-filled drink brings all the flavors of fall together in one glass—apple cider, cranberry, orange, ginger, and cozy spices. It’s as festive as it is refreshing, and I promise, one sip will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it to a crowd or keep it for a quiet dinner, Thanksgiving Punch perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the punch:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 liter ginger ale (chilled)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
For garnish:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- Cinnamon sticks and star anise
- Optional: ice
How to Make Thanksgiving Punch
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest pitcher or a punch bowl—the bigger, the better for dramatic effect! Pour in the apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and fresh lemon juice, then give everything a hearty stir. This blend sets the stage for all those comforting fall flavors you expect from a great Thanksgiving Punch.
Step 2: Add the Sparkle
Right before you’re ready to serve, pour in the chilled ginger ale. Stir gently just until the bubbles are happily incorporated. Trust me, saving this step for last means you get all the effervescence, and your punch will be irresistibly light and refreshing.
Step 3: Mix In the Fruit
Toss in the cranberries, orange slices, and apple slices. Not only do they look gorgeous bobbing in the punch, but they also infuse subtle notes of fruitiness and bring a burst of color to your Thanksgiving Punch centerpiece.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Fill glasses with ice if you like, then ladle the punch into each glass. Finish with a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod for garnish. Sip, savor, and get ready for all those “Wow, you made this?” compliments!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Punch
Garnishes
Garnishing your Thanksgiving Punch isn’t just for looks—it’s a chance to add layers of aroma and festive sparkle! Drop in cinnamon sticks and a few star anise pods for that unmistakable holiday scent, or add extra citrus slices and whole cranberries to make each glass feel extra special. If you want to play with color, try a fresh rosemary sprig for an earthy green accent that’s pure Thanksgiving magic.
Side Dishes
Thanksgiving Punch pairs wonderfully with all your favorite holiday nibbles. It’s a delightful match for herby stuffing, roasted nuts, spiced snack mix, or even a cheese and charcuterie board. The punch’s fruity brightness cuts through richer foods, acting as a palate cleanser while you graze through that feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Thanksgiving Punch stand out, serve it in glass mugs rimmed with cinnamon sugar or use hollowed-out apples as whimsical punch cups. For a fun make-your-own bar, set out extra garnishes and let guests build their perfect glass. A floating wreath of sliced fruit and spices atop your punch bowl will wow everyone before the first pour.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Thanksgiving Punch, simply strain out the fruit to prevent it from becoming mushy, then transfer the liquid to a pitcher with a tight-fitting lid. Pop it in the fridge where it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days. The flavors mellow nicely as they sit, making it even more delicious on day two!
Freezing
Freezing Thanksgiving Punch to enjoy later is easy. Pour it into ice cube trays (with or without fruit), freeze solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Add the cubes to punch for a quick chill that never waters it down, or use them to create festive, fruity ice pops.
Reheating
Thanksgiving Punch is meant to be enjoyed cold and bubbly, so I wouldn’t recommend reheating it. Still, if you want a warm version, gently heat the non-sparkling ingredients with some spices, then add ginger ale just before serving. It’ll be a cozy twist, reminiscent of mulled cider!
FAQs
Can I make Thanksgiving Punch ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix all the juices together in advance, then refrigerate. Just wait to add the ginger ale and fresh garnishes until right before serving to keep things crisp and fizzy.
How can I make an adult version of Thanksgiving Punch?
Easy—stir in 1 to 1½ cups of spiced rum or bourbon. The spirits blend beautifully with the cider and fruit juices, giving this punch a festive grown-up kick guests will love.
Can I use sparkling water instead of ginger ale?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet punch or want to cut back on sugar, swap the ginger ale for sparkling water. For extra flavor, try a splash of ginger syrup or a dash of bitters to replicate that spicy zing.
What are some other fruit additions I can try?
Go wild with what’s in season! Pomegranate seeds, pear slices, or even a handful of raspberries all complement the core flavors and look stunning in the punch bowl.
Is Thanksgiving Punch suitable for kids and those with allergies?
Definitely. It’s naturally non-alcoholic, vegan, and gluten-free—just double-check juice labels if you’re serving anyone with specific sensitivities. You can easily make a separate adult batch if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a holiday drink that’s as joyful as the season itself, you need to try this Thanksgiving Punch. It’s crowd-pleasing, gorgeous, and comes together in minutes—which means more time spent enjoying the people you love. I hope this becomes a new tradition at your table!
Print
Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Thanksgiving Punch recipe is a delightful and festive drink that’s perfect for fall gatherings. It combines the flavors of apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and ginger ale, with a hint of citrus and garnished with fruit slices for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the punch:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 liter ginger ale (chilled)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
For garnish:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- Cinnamon sticks and star anise
- Optional: ice
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix.
- Just before serving, add the chilled ginger ale and gently stir to combine.
- Add the cranberries, orange slices, and apple slices to the punch for added flavor and festive presentation.
- Serve over ice in individual glasses, if desired, and garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise.
Notes
- For an adult version, add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of spiced rum or bourbon.
- This punch can be made a day in advance—just add the ginger ale and garnishes right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
