Let’s be real—Thanksgiving drinks often get overshadowed by the turkey and pie. But this year, let’s give the Thanksgiving Punch its moment in the spotlight. Whether you’re going all-in on the holiday cocktails or keeping things family-friendly with a fall mocktail, this punch is your answer to festive sipping. It’s fizzy, fruity, spiced just right, and pretty enough to make a statement on your holiday table.
What I love most about this drink (besides how ridiculously easy it is to make) is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a non-alcoholic punch that even the kids will adore, or jazz it up with champagne and a splash of vodka or whiskey for the adults. It tastes like autumn in a cup—crisp apples, zesty citrus, warm spices, and a pop of cranberry.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Punch
- Gorgeous presentation with floating fruit and cinnamon sticks
- Easily transforms from a fall mocktail to a holiday cocktail
- Big-batch friendly and great for entertaining
- Make-ahead approved (yes, please!)
- A hit with both kids and adults
Ingredients
Mocktail Option:
- 3.8 L (1 gallon) apple cider
- 1.4 L (48 oz) ginger ale
- 1 red apple, thinly sliced
- 1 green apple, thinly sliced
- 1 navel orange, thinly sliced
- 120 g (1 cup) frozen cranberries
- 15 g (1 tbsp) pumpkin pie spice
- 5 cinnamon sticks
Cocktail Option:
- Replace ginger ale with 750 ml of champagne
- Optional: add vodka or whisky to taste
How to Make It
- In a large 2-gallon drink jar or punch bowl, pour in 480 ml (2 cups) of the apple cider.
- Whisk in the pumpkin pie spice until it’s fully dissolved.
- Add the remaining apple cider and stir well.
- Pour in the ginger ale (or champagne, or a mix of both) and give it a gentle stir.
- Add in the sliced apples, orange, frozen cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir gently to combine and let the flavors mingle.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to chill and infuse.
- Serve cold in glasses garnished with fruit slices or cinnamon sticks.
Tips for the Best Holiday Cocktail (or Fall Mocktail!)
- Want extra fizz? Top off glasses with a splash of fresh ginger ale right before serving.
- For a stronger punch, mix half ginger ale and half champagne, plus a shot of vodka per serving.
- Use frozen cranberries as festive ice cubes!
- Don’t skip the chilling time—it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Make it even prettier by rimming glasses with cinnamon sugar.
Why This Punch Became My Thanksgiving Must-Have
It started one Thanksgiving when I realized I’d forgotten the wine. Gasp. So I threw together what I had: apple cider, ginger ale, and some leftover fruit. A few cinnamon sticks later, the punch was born—and my family went nuts for it. Since then, it’s been my go-to every holiday. I even catch my aunt sneaking sips straight from the fridge the next morning.
Perfect Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Punch
This punch pairs beautifully with your holiday favourites. Think turkey with cranberry sauce, roasted root veggies, and even pumpkin pie. It adds a refreshing zing that cuts through rich, savory dishes. And since it can be served with or without booze, it transitions easily from family brunch to evening cocktails.
How to Store Leftover Punch
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store any remaining punch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The fruit will continue to infuse, which makes the flavor even more vibrant. Just be aware the fizz may fade, so add fresh ginger ale or bubbly upon serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Thanksgiving punch ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything except the fizz (ginger ale or champagne) and keep chilled. Add the bubbly just before serving.
Is this a non-alcoholic punch?
It can be! The base recipe is a fall mocktail. Just skip the champagne and liquor for a kid-friendly version.
What kind of apples work best?
A combo of red (like Gala) and green (Granny Smith) gives you sweet and tart in every sip.
Can I serve this warm?
You can warm the apple cider and spices together for a cosy version, but skip the fizzy stuff until it’s cool again.
Raise a Glass to the Season
Whether you’re hosting a big holiday bash or just want something festive to sip with your pie, this Thanksgiving Punch delivers. It’s a drink that brings everyone together around the table, from your boozy uncle to your juice-box-loving niece. With its fall-inspired flavours and easy-peasy prep, it’s bound to become your new favourite tradition.
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.
Print
Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12–16 1x
Description
This Thanksgiving Punch is a festive, fruity, and spiced drink that captures the essence of fall. Served cold with floating fruit and cinnamon sticks, it doubles as a stunning mocktail or cocktail. Whether you’re entertaining family or friends, this easy punch is the perfect centrepiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Mocktail Option:
-
3.8 L (1 gallon) apple cider
-
1.4 L (48 oz) ginger ale
-
1 red apple, thinly sliced
-
1 green apple, thinly sliced
-
1 navel orange, thinly sliced
-
120 g (1 cup) frozen cranberries
-
15 g (1 tbsp) pumpkin pie spice
-
5 cinnamon sticks
Cocktail Option:
-
Replace ginger ale with 750 ml of champagne
-
Optional: add vodka or whiskey to taste
Instructions
-
Pour 480 ml (2 cups) of apple cider into a large 2-gallon jar or punch bowl.
-
Whisk in pumpkin pie spice until fully dissolved.
-
Add remaining apple cider and stir to combine.
-
Gently stir in ginger ale, champagne, or your preferred mix.
-
Add sliced apples, orange, frozen cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
-
Stir lightly and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
-
Serve chilled in glasses garnished with fruit slices or cinnamon sticks.
Notes
Add fresh ginger ale right before serving for extra fizz.
Mix champagne and ginger ale for a lighter cocktail punch.
Frozen cranberries act as natural ice cubes.
Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for extra flair.
Chill without the fizz if making ahead, then add bubbly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American