Thanksgiving Punch Recipe – Non-Alcoholic Festive Drink

Bring the flavors of Freshness to your table with this easy Thanksgiving Punch! Made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange, it’s fruity, festive, and ready in minutes.

This crowd-pleasing holiday drink is perfect for family gatherings, Thanksgiving parties, or cozy nights in—no special tools needed, just pure seasonal flavor in every sip.

Every Thanksgiving, my kitchen turns into a mini juice bar. Between the turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the desserts, I always look for one thing that ties everything together—a drink that’s bright, bubbly, and full of holiday flavor. That’s when my Thanksgiving Punch comes in! It’s the one drink everyone—kids and adults—can enjoy together.

I first made this punch when I was hosting a large family dinner and didn’t want to spend hours mixing individual drinks. It turned out to be a total hit!

The mix of apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale gives it a crisp, fruity flavor that tastes just like the holidays in a cup. Plus, it looks gorgeous with all those floating fruit slices.

🧡 What Makes This Thanksgiving Punch So Special?

It’s easy, refreshing, and festive. You don’t need a blender or fancy tools—just pour, stir, and serve. It’s the perfect make-ahead punch for your Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving, or any holiday gathering.

How To Make Thanksgiving Punch Recipe?

🥤 Recipe Overview

Thanksgiving Punch is a refreshing non-alcoholic holiday drink made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice, topped with fizzy ginger ale and lemon-lime soda. It’s fruity, bubbly, and full of fall flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Beverage / Drink
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 12 servings
• Calories: ~120 per serving
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Equipment:

• Large punch bowl or pitcher
• Stirring spoon
• Ladle for serving
• Measuring cups

🍎 Ingredients

• 3 cups apple cider
• 3 cups cranberry cocktail juice
• 1 cup orange juice (no pulp)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 liter ginger ale soda
• 3 cups lemon-lime soda
• Cranberries, for garnish
• Orange slices, for garnish
• Apple slices, for garnish
• Ice, as needed

Ingredient Notes

• Apple cider gives that warm fall flavor everyone loves during the holidays.
• Cranberry juice adds a tart kick that balances the sweetness.
• Orange juice brings in brightness and a hint of citrus.
• Ginger ale and lemon-lime soda add fizz and sweetness—this is what makes it feel festive!
• Fresh cranberries and fruit slices make it look beautiful and seasonal.

🥄 Instructions

1. Mix the juices:

In a large punch bowl, pour in the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Give it a good stir to blend the flavors.

2. Add the cinnamon sticks:

Drop them in and let the punch sit for about 5 minutes so the warm spice starts to infuse.

3. Add the fizz:

Right before serving, pour in the ginger ale and lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to keep the bubbles.

4. Add ice and garnish:

Toss in ice cubes, then add fresh cranberries, orange slices, and apple slices on top.

5. Serve and enjoy!

Use a ladle to serve into glasses. You can garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or fruit slice if you’d like.

🧾 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Sugar: 29g
• Protein: 0g

🍹 Variations and Substitutions

➤ Make it alcoholic: Add a splash of rum, champagne, or vodka for an adult-friendly version.

➤ Apple cranberry punch: Use more cranberry juice and less orange juice for a deeper red color.

➤ Sparkling water substitute: Want it lighter? Swap the sodas with sparkling water.

➤ Make it ahead: Mix the juices and cinnamon earlier in the day, and add the sodas just before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your Thanksgiving Punch in a big glass pitcher or clear punch bowl so the colors shine through. It pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and all those classic side dishes.

Add a few cinnamon sticks or rosemary sprigs for a cozy, holiday touch.

🧊 Storing Tips

✔️ If you have leftovers, pour the punch (without ice) into a sealed pitcher and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
✔️ If you’ve already added the soda, it may lose its fizz—just top it off with a bit of fresh soda before serving again.

💡 Helpful Tips

✅ Chill all the juices before mixing to keep the punch cold without watering it down.

✅ Use large ice cubes or an ice ring to keep it cold longer.

✅ Add garnishes right before serving so the fruit looks fresh.

✅ Want to make it look fancy? Rim glasses with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.

• Always add soda last for the best fizz.
• You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less soda.
• Works great as a Thanksgiving mocktail or holiday party punch.
• Fresh garnishes make a huge difference in presentation.

🍾 Can I Make This an Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch?

Yes! Just swap the lemon-lime soda with champagne or prosecco for a sparkling kick. You can also add 1 cup of vodka, rum, or spiced bourbon if you want something stronger. Keep one punch bowl for the adults and one for the kids—it keeps everyone happy!

🎉 How Much Punch Do I Need for My Party?

If you’re hosting 10–12 people, this recipe makes just the right amount. For larger gatherings, you can double the recipe easily. A good rule: plan for 1½ cups per guest.

❓ FAQ

🧡 Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Punch recipe has become one of my go-to holiday drinks. It’s quick, beautiful, and always gets compliments. I love how it brings everyone to the table with something cheerful in hand.

If you make this easy Thanksgiving punch, tag me at @alljuicecorner and tell me how your guests liked it—I’d love to see your version!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! 🥂🍁