Thanksgiving Punch

Name: Thanksgiving Punch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 4 cups apple cider (divided (2 cups chilled)); 2 cups light brown sugar; 6 cinnamon sticks; 8 star anise; ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 2 cups ice; 8 cups cranberry juice (chilled (100% juice)); ¾ cup fresh lime juice; 3 cups sparkling apple cider; 4 cups ginger beer (chilled); Frozen cranberries for serving; 2 Honeycrisp apples (cut into wedges for serving)

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hosting Thanksgiving, it’s that a good punch is essential. And this Thanksgiving Punch? It’s as essential as that turkey on the table, boos! The mix of cranberries, apple cider, and ginger beer tastes like fall in a glass, and the Honeycrisp apple slices and frozen cranberries floating on top make it look like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.

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Two glasses of red Thanksgiving punch with ice, cranberries, and apple slices, garnished with a cinnamon stick, with a punch bowl in the background

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I know it’s only September, but I can’t help but get giddy about Thanksgiving inching closer every week. I love it too much, y’all! This apple cider punch is my go-to every year, but I just know I’ll be whippin’ it up all through the fall. Yup, it’s THAT good, and THAT easy to make. Some folks like to throw a splash of rum in there, but I like to keep it booze-free. After all, with all that food, we need to stay standing until dessert, right?

Table of Contents

The Lowdown on This Thanksgiving Punch

Closeup of Jocelyn in pink dress smiling

Cuisine Inspiration: Classic American

Primary Cooking Method: Simmering, then just mixin’ and stirring

Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian and alcohol-free (can be vegan depending on the brand of cider you use)

Key Flavor: A perfect combo of tart cranberry and sweet, spiced apple cider, with a zesty kick from the ginger beer

Skill Level: Super Easy

No Mixologist Required

You don’t need to be a pro to make this punch. Seriously boos, all it takes is some basic stirring and simmering. Forget the fancy shaker skills!

Easy-to-Find Ingredients

Everything in this Thanksgiving punch recipe can be found at your local grocery store. From the apple cider to the cranberries, it’s all easy to get your hands on.

Make-Ahead Friendly

One of the best things about this drink? You can make the spiced apple syrup ahead of time. Pop it in the fridge and you’ll be all set to just mix it up when guests arrive!

Ingredients you’ll need to make Thanksgiving Punch

Overhead shot of ingredients to make thanksgiving punch on a marble surface before mixing

Apple Cider: Make sure you grab apple cider, not juice! It’s what gives this punch that cozy, spiced flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a little sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberry and lime.
Cinnamon Sticks: Y’all, what fall drink is complete without cinnamon? These sticks add that perfect warm spice.
Star Anise: These beauties bring a subtle, sweet licorice note. If you’re not a fan, you could leave ’em out, but they do add a nice touch!
Freshly Grated Nutmeg: A little nutmeg goes a long way! Fresh is best, but ground nutmeg will work too if that’s what you’ve got.
Ice: Gotta keep it chilled boos! Grab a couple handfuls to serve this punch nice and cold.
Cranberry Juice: Go for that 100% cranberry juice if you can get it! None of that sugary cranberry cocktail stuff.
Fresh Lime Juice: Brings the perfect zesty kick that cuts through all the sweet and spice in this punch.
Sparkling Apple Cider: Adds the bubbles and keeps the apple flavor going strong.
Ginger Beer: Gives it that spicy, gingery kick.
Frozen Cranberries: These are for garnish and keep your punch cool without watering it down.
Honeycrisp Apples (cut into wedges): I love me some Honeycrisps! Their sweet-tart flavor and crunch make them perfect for this Thanksgiving punch recipe. But honestly, whatever apple you’ve got will work.

How to make Thanksgiving Punch

Overhead shot of a saucepan with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and spices simmering in liquid

Add 2 cups apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, star anise, and nutmeg to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer until sugar has dissolved, about 7-8 minutes.

Overhead shot of a sieve straining out cinnamon sticks and star anise

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in remaining let cool. When ready to serve, strain the syrup.

Overhead shot of a bowl filled with syrup and ice cubes

Serve the spiced apple syrup over ice in a punch bowl.

Overhead shot of a bowl filled with syrup, cranberry and lime juice and ice cubes

Stir in cranberry and lime juice.

Overhead shot of a bowl filled with bright red Thanksgiving punch and ice cubes

Add sparkling apple cider and ginger beer then gently stir together.

Overhead shot of a bowl of Thanksgiving punch with fresh apple slices and cranberries floating on top

Garnish with cranberries and apple wedges, and enjoy!

What to serve with thanksgiving holiday punch

With Appetizers: Sip your punch with some light bites like fried pickles or fried green tomatoes. Auntie Rose’s deviled eggs are another solid option!
Keep It Cozy: Stay on that fall vibe with a scoop of apple crisp French toast with a generous drizzle of apple butter.
Get Your Mains Ready: This apple cider punch goes perfectly with big Thanksgiving flavors. It pairs up nicely with Southern baked macaroni and cheese, honey glazed ham, or even some Southern collard greens to balance all that richness.
Snacky Desserts: Since this punch ain’t too heavy, you can go all out with the desserts! A slice of pumpkin pie or pecan pie bars bars will feel like heaven paired with a glass.

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Recipe Substitutions

Brown Sugar: Swap the light brown sugar for dark brown sugar if you want a more pronounced molasses flavor.
Ginger Beer: Sparkling white grape juice will give you those bubbles without the spice, and it keeps things light and sweet.
Apple Cider: I know I said “don’t grab apple juice!” but hear me out boos, if that’s the only thing you’ve got, use it. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so you don’t overdo the sweet factor.
Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice is fine, but you can also use orange juice for a sweeter, more citrusy flavor.

Recipe Variations and Additions

Spike It: Add a some rum, bourbon, or sparkling wine to the mix. Keep it to about 1/2 cup tho, so the flavors stay balanced.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to take those fall flavors up a notch!
Serve It Hot: While this punch is the bomb when chilled, you can totally serve it hot. Just warm it up on the stove.
Berry Blast: Want to amp up the fruitiness in this punch recipe for Thanksgiving? Toss in a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries when you mix it.

Closeup view of a punch bowl filled with red Thanksgiving punch, cranberries, apple slices, and a ladle

Expert Tips and Tricks for making the best thanksgiving
punch recipe

Stir It Up Good: Give that punch a good stir when you pour everything together so the spiced syrup doesn’t just chill at the bottom.
Keep It Chill: Keep your Thanksgiving holiday punch super cold right up until serving time. This helps the ice last longer and keeps the punch from getting watered down.
Garnish Just Before Serving: Add those pretty apple slices and cranberries right before your guests start pouring up. That way the apples stay crisp and fresh.
Low and Slow: When making that spiced syrup, be patient boo. Let it simmer nice and slow so the flavors really soak into the cider.

How to store Thanksgiving Punch

You can store your leftover Thanksgiving punch in an airtight glass pitcher in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it up tight so it doesn’t soak up any fridge smells. Nobody wants punch that tastes like last night’s leftovers!

How long will Thanksgiving Punch last in the fridge?

This punch will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors might mellow a bit, but a good stir will wake it back up when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze apple
cider punch?

You can def freeze it boo! Store it in an airtight plastic pitcher (so it doesn’t crack from the cold), and skip the garnishes. Add those pretty apple slices and cranberries after you thaw it. It’ll stay good in the freezer for a month or so.

Two glasses of red Thanksgiving punch with ice, cranberries, and apple slices, garnished with a cinnamon stick

Frequently asked questions

What if I don’t have a punch bowl?

No worries boo! You can use a big glass pitcher, a large serving bowl, or even a slow cooker if you’re serving it warm.

Can I make this punch without any bubbles?

Yep! You can leave out the ginger beer and sparkling cider. It’ll still taste amazing, just a little less bubbly.

Is this Thanksgiving punch safe for kids?

Definitely! This version is alcohol-free and kid-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it. If you want to make a boozy version for the adults, scroll up to the variations and additions section.

Overhead view of the Thanksgiving punch bowl filled with cranberries, apple slices, and a ladle, with a small bowl of cranberries nearby

Whether you’re servin’ it chilled or warm, this Thanksgiving Punch is the perfect way to keep your guests sippin’ happy all night long! It’s so good, even your turkey might get jealous. Get into it boos!

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