Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch

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There’s something special about sipping a festive drink while the turkey roasts in the oven and the house smells like cinnamon, stuffing, and sweet potato pie. But not everyone wants wine, champagne, or boozy cocktails at their Thanksgiving table. That’s where this Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch swoops in like the superhero of fall beverages.

This punch is cozy, colorful, and totally crowd-pleasing. It’s got crisp apple cider, bubbly ginger ale, juicy orange slices, fresh cranberries, and warming spices like cinnamon and star anise. Whether you serve it chilled in a punch bowl or steamy in a slow cooker, it’s a guaranteed hit with kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. Bonus: it looks amazing with floating fruit and garnishes—like autumn in a glass.

Why You’ll Love Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch

Kid-Friendly & Grandma-Approved: Everyone can enjoy this, from toddlers to your great-aunt Sue.
No Fancy Stuff Required: You probably have half the ingredients already.
Serve Hot or Cold: Got snow? Serve it warm. Got a sunny fall day? Serve it over ice.
Perfect for Big Gatherings: One batch serves 16, so it’s a great punch for Thanksgiving dinner, brunch, or a potluck.
Gorgeous Presentation: This thing basically decorates your table for you.
Flexible: Want to spike it for the adults? Easy.

Recipe Highlights

This punch checks all the boxes:

Tastes like fall: Apple, cinnamon, citrus, cranberry. Basically Thanksgiving in a cup.
Easy to prep: No blending, no cooking (unless you want to serve it hot).
Totally adaptable: You can switch up fruits, swap out the bubbles, or even sneak in some rum for the grown-ups.
Doubles as a centerpiece: The floating fruit and spices are almost too pretty to drink. Almost.

Ingredients (with notes)

1 gallon unfiltered apple cider – Get the real stuff. Not clear apple juice. We want cloudy and full-flavored.
4 cups ginger ale – For bubbles and a zingy kick. You can also use club soda if you want it less sweet, or ginger beer if you like spice.
2 oranges, thinly sliced – Adds citrusy brightness and beautiful color.
2 red pears, sliced – Red pears look gorgeous and add mellow sweetness.
2 apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced – Adds crunch and flavor.
1 cup fresh cranberries – Float like little jewels. Also fun to freeze and use like ice cubes.
2-3 cinnamon sticks – For visual flair and that signature warm flavor.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds depth.
Star anise (optional) – Fancy, floral, and smells amazing.
Maple syrup or honey (optional) – For a little extra sweetness if needed.

Instructions

Cold Version:

In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the apple cider and ginger ale.
Add orange, apple, and pear slices.
Toss in the cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
Stir gently.
Taste. If it’s not sweet enough, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
Serve over ice. Garnish with extra fruit or cinnamon sticks.

Hot Version:

Pour the cider into a large pot or slow cooker.
Add fruit, cranberries, spices.
Simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Just before serving, stir in ginger ale (or add to cups individually to preserve fizz).
Ladle into mugs. Serve warm with cinnamon stick garnish.

Spiked Version (Adults Only):

Stir in a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or sparkling wine just before serving.
Or, offer a “spike-your-own” bar with options so everyone can customize.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Sure, but it won’t have the same rich flavor. Apple cider is more rustic and full-bodied.

Where do I buy apple cider?

Most grocery stores carry it in the fall near the produce section or with refrigerated drinks.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Mix everything except the ginger ale. Add bubbles just before serving to keep it fizzy.

How do I serve a crowd?

Double or triple the batch. Use a drink dispenser or multiple pitchers.

What if I hate cinnamon?

Leave it out or sub with a pinch of clove or nutmeg.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers: Keep in a sealed jug in the fridge for up to a week. The fruit might get a little soft, so strain it if needed.
Freeze: You can freeze the cider + spice base (without fruit or ginger ale) for up to 3 months.
Reheat (if hot version): Warm gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.

Variations & Swaps

Use different juice: Pomegranate, cranberry, pineapple, or pear nectar.
Try other fruits: Blood orange, lemon slices, frozen grapes.
Bubble switch: Ginger beer for spice, citrus soda for zing, or sparkling water for less sugar.
No bubbles at all? Go still with just cider + juice + fruit.
Add herbs: A sprig of rosemary or thyme can be a fun surprise.

Top Tips

Chill everything in advance so you don’t need to add ice and dilute it.
Taste before serving – every cider is different.
Make it pretty: Use a clear pitcher or punch bowl so you can show off all those floating fruits and spices.
Don’t overdo the juice combos: Too many flavors = a muddy mess.
Use frozen cranberries or grapes as a festive ice cube alternative.

What to Serve With It

This punch pairs beautifully with snacks, appetizers, and brunch dishes.

Great for appetizers:

Spinach Artichoke Dip
Bacon Apricot Cheese Spread
Charcuterie Boards
Sausage Balls
Jalapeño Poppers
Pimento Cheese Dip
Oyster Cracker Candy

Hosting a Thanksgiving brunch?

Hot Version

Simmer cider with fruit and spices for 30 minutes.
Add ginger ale before serving.

Two punch bowls filled with apple slices, orange wheels, cranberries, and warm spices

Non-alcoholic Thanksgiving punch with sliced apples, oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks

Optional Spiked

Add spiced rum, bourbon, or sparkling wine to taste.

Serve it up, raise your glass (or mug), and toast to family, food, and the joy of not having to share your wine.

Happy Thanksgiving with non-alcoholic-thanksgiving-punch-recipe!