Description

This festive Thanksgiving Punch is a fruity, fall-inspired drink featuring apples, oranges, cranberries, and a hint of spice. It’s quick to make, kid-friendly, and easily adaptable for adults or dietary needs—perfect for any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, unsweetened if possible)
1 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed or bottled)
1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, 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 (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Wash apples, oranges, and cranberries thoroughly. Slice the orange and apple into thin rounds, leaving the peel on. Rinse frozen cranberries if using.
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir gently to blend.
Add maple syrup or honey, if desired, and stir until dissolved.
Add the sliced orange, apple, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods (if using).
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and fruit to infuse.
Just before serving, pour in ginger beer or ginger ale and stir gently.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Ladle into glasses, ensuring each serving has fruit slices and cranberries.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh-squeezed juices and local apple cider. Chill the punch base with fruit and spices ahead of time for deeper flavor. Add ginger beer just before serving for maximum fizz. Adjust sweetness and tartness to taste. For a grown-up version, add vodka, rum, or sparkling wine. Remove fruit slices if storing leftovers for more than 24 hours.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass (8 oz / 240 ml)
Calories: 110
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 15
Carbohydrates: 27
Fiber: 2

Keywords: Thanksgiving punch, fall drink, fruity punch, holiday beverage, non-alcoholic punch, autumn punch, cranberry punch, apple cider punch, easy punch recipe