Thanksgiving Punch is the perfect festive drink to bring everyone together during the holidays. It’s a bright and bubbly mix of fruity flavors like cranberry, orange, and apple, often with a splash of sparkling cider or soda that makes it sparkle in the glass. It’s refreshing and just the right balance of sweet and tangy, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
I love making this punch because it’s so easy and fun to customize. Sometimes I add a few fresh cranberries or orange slices right in the bowl to make it look as good as it tastes. It feels special without any fuss, and I always find that guests go back for second and third cups. Plus, it’s a great way to have something festive and delicious that everyone, including kids, can enjoy.
My favorite way to serve Thanksgiving Punch is in a big clear glass bowl with a ladle, surrounded by cozy sweaters and good company. It brings that cheerful holiday spirit to life and keeps the mood light and happy. If you’re planning a gathering, this punch is the simple secret to making your celebration even more memorable.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: This gives the punch its bright, tart flavor and beautiful red color. If fresh cranberry juice isn’t available, a good-quality store-bought version works well. Avoid overly sweetened juices to keep the balance.
Apple Juice & Sparkling Cider: These add natural sweetness and a bubbly touch. If you want a lighter punch, use sparkling water or ginger ale instead of cider.
Orange & Lemon Juice: Fresh juices brighten the flavor and add citrus zing. Bottled juice can work if needed, but fresh is best for a fresher taste.
Maple Syrup or Honey: These are optional sweeteners that add warmth. Maple syrup works especially well for a cozy fall flavor. You can skip if you want a less sweet punch.
Spices (Star Anise & Cinnamon): They infuse subtle warm spice notes. If you don’t have star anise, a few cloves or a cinnamon stick alone still give great flavor.
Fruit Garnishes: Thin slices of orange and apple, plus fresh cranberries, make the punch look festive while adding a fresh bite. Try adding pomegranate seeds or pear slices as alternatives.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Infusing Spices in Punch?
Letting the spices soak in the juice mix is what gives this punch its warm, festive taste.
- Start by combining all the juices and sweetener in your punch bowl or a large pitcher.
- Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods directly into the mix.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to let the spices release their flavors slowly.
- Just before serving, add sparkling cider or your bubbly of choice. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
- If you leave the spices too long after adding the cider, the flavors can become too strong—so keep this timing in mind.
This method ensures the punch is full of fall flavors but still light and refreshing for your guests to enjoy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large punch bowl – perfect for mixing and serving your Thanksgiving Punch with room for ice and fruit.
- Measuring cups – to easily measure juices and sweeteners without guesswork.
- Wooden spoon or ladle – great for stirring the punch gently and serving into glasses.
- Citrus juicer – makes squeezing fresh lemon and orange juice quick and easy.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for slicing apples and oranges thinly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of ginger beer instead of sparkling cider for a spicy zest that lifts the fruit flavors.
- Mix in pear juice with apple juice for a slightly sweeter, softer taste that’s great with cinnamon.
- Include fresh rosemary sprigs or thyme for a subtle herb aroma that pairs well with the spices.
- Try garnishing with pomegranate seeds or pear slices to add color variety and a different texture.
How to Make Thanksgiving Punch?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups apple juice
- 2 cups sparkling apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 3-4 star anise pods
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This punch needs about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour chilling time in the fridge to let the spices infuse. It’s quick to mix but best when given time to develop its lovely fall flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Fruit Juices
In a large punch bowl, pour the cranberry juice, apple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup or honey if you want extra sweetness. Stir everything well to blend the flavors together.
2. Add the Spices and Chill
Drop in the star anise pods and cinnamon sticks. Cover the punch bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets the spices add warm, cozy notes to the punch.
3. Add Sparkle and Fruit
Just before you’re ready to serve, gently stir in the sparkling apple cider. Add the thinly sliced oranges and apples right into the punch, and scatter fresh cranberries on top for a pretty, festive look.
4. Chill and Garnish for Serving
Fill the punch bowl with ice cubes to keep it cool and refreshing. Garnish with a few extra cinnamon sticks and star anise pods to make your punch look extra special. When serving, use a ladle to scoop into glasses, making sure each gets some of the fruit and berries.
Can I Make Thanksgiving Punch Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the punch base with the juices and spices up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the sparkling cider, fresh fruit, and ice just before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw frozen cranberries in the fridge or briefly rinse with cold water before adding them as garnish. They still add great color and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Sparkling Apple Cider?
You can use sparkling water, ginger ale, or club soda for a lighter or less sweet option. Each will give a different twist but keep the punch bubbly and festive.
How Should I Store Leftover Punch?
Store any leftover punch without ice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again and add fresh ice and fruit slices to refresh.
