Thanksgiving Punch
Introduction
This Thanksgiving Punch is bright, fruity, and easy to make. It fills a pitcher fast. You can make it for a small family or a larger group. The flavors are classic fall: cranberry, apple cider, and orange. A little sparkling water adds a light fizz. Cinnamon sticks give the drink a warm hint. It looks festive with slices of orange, apple, and fresh cranberries. You do not need special skills or tools. Just mix, chill a bit, and pour. The punch works as a nonalcoholic option or as a base for a spiked drink.
Why make this recipe
Make this punch because it tastes like the season. It balances tart cranberry with sweet apple cider. The orange juice brightens the mix. Sparkling water keeps the drink lively and not too heavy. The mixed fruit gives a pretty look and a fresh pop of flavor. The cinnamon sticks add a lovely autumn spice without being strong. If you like other fruity punches, try a related recipe like tropical punch mocktail for more ideas. This recipe takes little time. You can prepare it while you finish cooking the meal. It serves guests well and keeps the table festive.
How to prepare Thanksgiving Punch
Gather your ingredients and a large pitcher. Wash the fruit and slice the oranges and apples. Keep a small bowl of ice ready to add to glasses. Measure the juices so the flavors stay balanced. Add the cranberry, apple cider, and orange juice to the pitcher first. Stir them to blend the tastes. Then pour in the sparkling water gently so the fizz stays. Drop in the sliced fruit and the cinnamon sticks. Let the punch sit a few minutes so the spice and fruit infuse. Serve over ice and refill the pitcher as needed.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 cup mixed fruit (e.g., oranges, apples, cranberries)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
Steps:
- In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice.
- Stir well to mix the juices together.
- Add sparkling water and mixed fruit.
- Place cinnamon sticks in the pitcher for added flavor.
- Stir gently and serve over ice in glasses.
How to serve Thanksgiving Punch
Serve the punch chilled and over ice. Use clear glasses so the fruit and cinnamon show through. Add a slice of orange or a few cranberries to each glass for a nice touch. If you want a warmer option, heat a small amount of the cider with a cinnamon stick and mix it into cups. For kids, pour into fun cups and keep extra fruit on the side. If you plan to serve a crowd, keep a second pitcher chilled in the fridge. Refill glasses from the cold pitcher so the ice in the guest glasses lasts longer.
How to store 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups apple cider, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup sparkling water, 1 cup mixed fruit (e.g., oranges, apples, cranberries), 1-2 cinnamon sticks
Store any leftover punch in a sealed pitcher or a covered container. Put it in the fridge right away. The sparkling water will lose its fizz over time, so expect the drink to become still after a few hours. Remove the fruit if you want to keep the punch fresh longer. The juice mix without the sparkling water will last up to three days in the fridge. If you add sparkling water again before serving, pour it in gently to bring back some fizz.
Tips to make 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups apple cider, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup sparkling water, 1 cup mixed fruit (e.g., oranges, apples, cranberries), 1-2 cinnamon sticks perfectly
Use chilled juices to keep the drink cold without too much ice. Slice fruit thin so it releases flavor fast. If you like more tartness, add a bit more cranberry juice. For more sweetness, choose a sweeter apple cider or add a splash of maple syrup. Add the sparkling water last and stir gently to keep the bubbles. Let the cinnamon sticks sit for at least 10 minutes to give the punch a subtle spice. Taste before serving and adjust any part you like. If you plan ahead, make the juice mix in advance and add sparkling water just before guests arrive.
Variations (if possible)
You can change this punch to suit taste or need. For a lighter drink, use half sparkling water and half club soda. For an adult version, add a cup of bourbon, spiced rum, or vodka to the pitcher and mix well. If you prefer a warm drink, heat the apple cider and stir in the cranberry and orange juice after it cools a bit. Make a sweeter version by adding a spoon of honey or maple syrup. For more texture, add sliced pears or pomegranate seeds. You can also use flavored sparkling water, such as orange or lemon, to boost the citrus notes.
FAQ (at least three questions)
Q: Can I make this punch ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mix the cranberry, apple cider, and orange juice up to a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge. Add sparkling water and fruit just before serving for best fizz and freshness.
Q: Can I use fresh-squeezed orange juice?
A: Yes. Fresh orange juice will make the punch brighter. Use the same amount. Taste and adjust if the fresh juice is very tart or very sweet.
Q: Is there a way to keep the punch fizzy longer?
A: Chill all liquids and the pitcher before mixing. Add sparkling water at the last minute. Serve in chilled glasses. These steps help keep bubbles longer.
Q: Can I change the cinnamon sticks to another spice?
A: Yes. You can try a few whole cloves or a piece of star anise for a different spice note. Add only a small amount so the spice does not overpower the fruit.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This pitcher serves about 6 to 8 small glasses, depending on glass size. Double the ingredients for a larger crowd.
Thanksgiving Punch
Ingredients
For the punch
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sparkling water Add last to maintain fizz
- 1 cup mixed fruit (e.g., oranges, apples, cranberries) Sliced
- 1-2 sticks cinnamon For flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice.
- Stir well to mix the juices together.
- Add sparkling water and mixed fruit.
- Place cinnamon sticks in the pitcher for added flavor.
- Stir gently and serve over ice in glasses.
