Thanksgiving is already enough work without having to play bartender all day. This non-alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch is an easy, festive drink you can throw together in minutes and serve to the whole family. After more than a decade of sharing recipes for everything from holiday dinners to party appetizers, I've learned that the best entertaining recipes are the ones that don't keep you stuck in the kitchen. This punch comes together in minutes, can easily be made for a crowd.
One of my favorite things to do while cooking all morning for the holidays, is to sip on this punch. It's my family's favorite, for Friendsgiving, too! If you need Thanksgiving drinks for the family and kids, this is it! This version is non-alcoholic, but you can easily make it boozy if you wish.
Thanksgiving Punch Ingredients
- Cranberry Juice: Everyone loves cranberries during the holiday season. You have to start with some cranberry juice.
- Apple Cider: Nothing says fall like apple cider. It instantly makes the drink taste festive. Plus, it pairs perfectly with both cranberries and cinnamon for that “fresh from the orchard” vibe.
- Ginger Ale or Sprite/7UP: I love a punch with a little fizz. Either one will work great in this holiday punch.
- Cinnamon: Even just a stick or sprinkle takes it from simple to special.
How to Make the Best Thanksgiving Punch
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice and apple cider. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Add in the cinnamon and whisk well to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to infuse a little warmth and spice.
- Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale. This keeps the punch bubbly and refreshing.
- Add garnishes like fresh cranberries, apple slices, orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for a festive presentation.
- Stir gently and serve chilled over ice or straight from the punch bowl or pitcher.
Thanksgiving Punch Recipe (Non Alcoholic)
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberry juice I recommend 100% cranberry juice.
- 2 ½ cups apple cider
- 2 cups ginger ale or Sprite/7UP I prefer ginger ale.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon You can also use a few cinnamon sticks. With these you don't have to whisk much.
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice and apple cider. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Add in the cinnamon and whisk well to combine. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to infuse a little warmth and spice.
- Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale. This keeps the punch bubbly and refreshing.
- Add garnishes like fresh cranberries, apple slices, orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for a festive presentation.
- Stir gently and serve chilled over ice or straight from the punch bowl or pitcher.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips
Yes! Mix everything except the ginger ale and refrigerate. Add the ginger ale right before serving so it stays bubbly and fresh.
This recipe is family-friendly, but you can easily spike it. Vodka, rum, bourbon, or even sparkling wine all pair beautifully.
Absolutely! It’ll make the punch extra fizzy and festive. If you do, you can skip or reduce the ginger ale.
Use frozen cranberries or frozen apple slices as ice cubes. Then keep it chilled and add a pretty garnish without diluting the flavor.
Fresh cranberries, apple slices, orange slices, and a few cinnamon sticks look gorgeous floating in the bowl or pitcher.
Yes. If you’d rather skip the fizz, replace ginger ale with more apple cider or even orange juice for a sweeter flavor.
You can, I don't recommend it. Just know cranberry cocktail is sweeter.
It’s best served the same day, but leftovers (without ginger ale) will keep for 2–3 days refrigerated. Just add fresh ginger ale when serving again.
Yes! Warm the cider, cranberry juice, and cinnamon together, then add ginger ale or sparkling wine just before serving to keep the bubbles.
A standard batch usually serves 8 people, depending on cup size. Double it for bigger gatherings.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pomegranate Juice
- Orange Juice
- Apple Juice
- Sparkling Water
- Club Soda
- Lemon Lime Soda
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Add Alcohol to make it boozy.
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Pomegranates
More Drink and Punch Recipes
Jungle Juice
Slow Cooker Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Caramel Apple Cider
Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Baby Shower Punch
Angela says
This juice is just right not too sweet or sour.
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!