Go Back

Thanksgiving Punch Recipe: A Festive Drink That Delights Every Guest

This Thanksgiving Punch Recipe is a festive, crowd-pleasing drink that combines apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and a sparkling ginger beer finish. Ready in just 7 minutes, it’s the perfect non-alcoholic beverage for holiday gatherings, easily customizable for adults and children alike.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 7 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings: 6 –8 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
  • 2 –3 tbsp maple syrup or honey optional, adjust to taste
  • 1 medium orange thinly sliced
  • 1 large apple thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 –3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 –2 star anise pods optional
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Wash and thinly slice oranges and apples (1/4-inch thick). Rinse cranberries if frozen.
  2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir gently to blend.
  3. Add maple syrup or honey and stir until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  4. Add sliced fruit, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  6. Just before serving, add ginger beer or ginger ale and stir gently to maintain carbonation.
  7. Serve cold, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a cinnamon stick in each glass.

Notes

Prepare the juice base and sweeteners up to 24 hours in advance. Add fruit and spices 4–6 hours before serving, and add ginger beer just before guests arrive for best fizz. Store leftovers (without fruit) up to 3 days refrigerated or freeze in ice cube trays for future use.