I know how frustrating it can be when holiday drinks end up too sweet or watered down, so I tested this recipe until it had the perfect balance of tart cranberry, cozy apple cider, bubbly ginger ale or Sprite, and just the right touch of cinnamon. Trust me, this Thanksgiving Punch will have everyone asking for seconds.
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 – This gives the punch its bold, tart base that feels like Thanksgiving in a glass. Cranberries are a holiday staple, and the juice adds gorgeous color.
- Apple Cider – Nothing says fall like apple cider. It brings in cozy, spiced apple flavor that 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 – A little fizz makes the punch feel light and celebratory. Ginger ale adds gentle sweetness and just enough spice to keep the flavors bright instead of too heavy. It’s what makes this punch extra sippable at the holiday table. You can also use Sprite or 7UP.
- Cinnamon – This is the finishing touch that ties everything together. Cinnamon adds warmth and that signature holiday spice that makes the punch taste like fall comfort in a cup. 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.
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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
- Cranberry Juice – Swap with pomegranate juice for a similar tart vibe, or use cranberry cocktail if you like it sweeter.
- Apple Cider – Can’t find cider? Use apple juice and add extra cinnamon or a pinch of apple pie spice to bring back that fall flavor.
- Ginger Ale – Try sparkling water, club soda, or lemon-lime soda if you want a lighter fizz. For a spicier kick, use ginger beer instead.
- Cinnamon – Use ground cinnamon in a pinch, or switch it up with pumpkin pie spice or whole star anise for a different warm spice note.
- Make It Boozy – Add vodka for a clean punch, bourbon for a cozy holiday twist, or sparkling wine to make it feel like a celebration.
- Warm Version – Heat the cranberry juice, cider, and cinnamon on the stove until steaming, then add ginger ale (or sparkling wine) right before serving.
- Citrus Boost – Stir in orange juice or float orange slices for extra brightness.
- Berry Twist – Toss in raspberries, pomegranate arils, or blackberries to make it look and taste even more festive.
More Drink and Punch Recipes
Jungle Juice
Slow Cooker Crockpot Hot Chocolate
Caramel Apple Cider
Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Thanksgiving Punch For Friends and Family
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
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.
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