Thanksgiving Punch Recipe (co*cktail or Mocktail) (2024)

Looking for the best drink to serve with Thanksgiving dinner? Let me introduce you to my easy, tried and true Thanksgiving Punch recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious fall punch that everyone at the table will love whether they’re craving a co*cktail or a mocktail. It’s been a hit at my Thanksgiving dinners, and both kids and adults will be coming back for seconds!

I first made this recipe YEARS ago and put it up on Thyme and JOY because it was such a hit for my Thanksgiving dinner in 2018. To this day, it remains to be one of the most visited recipes on this site and for good reason! Not only does this punch have super simple ingredients that are easy to find, but it also tastes delicious AND it can be made non alcoholic for both kids and adults to enjoy so everyone can join in on the fun!

I made this a week ago for Thanksgiving (11/25/21).I served the mocktail version with a few warm hors d’oeuvre when my family arrived and it was a big hit! So delicious! Thank you for posting! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the best punch!!!! Everyone that tried it raved about it. it’s a keeper and should be made for all fall parties! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shannon Thompson , Deb Peterson

✅This recipe has been featured on The Pioneer Woman, Reddy Ice, The Daily Mom, Parade, and more!

🍂Grab These Before You Make It

• Punch Dispenser: Punch Bowl Set, 2 Gallon Drink Jar (with stand), or this festive Pumpkin Tapping Keg Spout Kit!
• Drinkware: Drinking Mason Jars (with handle), Stemless Wine Glasses, or Disposable Thanksgiving Cups
• Serving: Thanksgiving co*cktail Napkins, Thanksgiving Themed Straws, Fake Fall Leaves for Table
• Ingredients: Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon Sticks, Apple Cider

🎃Ingredient Notes

• Apple Cider:This makes up the bulk of the punch and screams fall and Autumn. Purchase your favoriteapple ciderwhile apples are in season! Make sure you are not using spiced apple cider as you are adding in the spices.
• Pumpkin PieSpice:Whisking thisflavor (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, allspice)intoapple ciderbrings this punch to a new level by adding the perfect amount ofspiceand warmingflavors.
• Sliced Fruit:Red and green apple slices enhance the apple flavor while sliced oranges add a touch of fresh citrus flavor that complements the warming notes.
• Ginger Ale:If you would like to make a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink, add in your favoriteginger aleorginger beer. This makes it the bestkid-friendly drink for Thanksgiving while giving the punch a bit of natural spice.
• Fresh or FrozenCranberries:Cranberriesadd a pop of color to this punch. You can use fresh or frozencranberries.
• Champagne:If you’d like to make this an easy alcoholic Thanksgivingco*cktailfor adults, add in some champagne. You could also add a shot of your favorite vodka or whisky for a stronger punch.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Enhances the warmth in the punch while giving a true fall look to the garnishes.

🍹How To Make Thanksgiving Punch

• 1️⃣Dissolve the pumpkin pie spice: In a2 gallon drink jar, or holiday punch bowl, add 2 cups apple cider. Whisk in pumpkin pie spice until any clumps are gone, then add the rest of the apple cider.
• 2️⃣For a co*cktail: Pour in the champagne.
• 3️⃣For a mocktail: Pour in ginger ale.
• 4️⃣Add fruit: Slice up the fruit into thin pieces. Add apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries (fresh or frozen) to the jar and stir gently.
• 5️⃣Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours in a large pitcher before serving thanksgiving alcoholic punch cold in garnished glasses.

👩🏻‍🍳Chef Val’s Tips

• No added sugar: Be sure to buyapple ciderthat doesn’t have any added sugar in it. The juice itself is sweet enough!
• Develop flavors: This punch is best after sitting in the fridge for about 2-3 hours before serving. This gives enough time for all theflavorsto marry together.
• Dissolve dry spices: Make sure you whisk in the pumpkin piespicewith a small amount of cider first. This will make sure thespiceseparates so that nobody gets a big clump of pumpkin piespicein their drink.
• Serve as a co*cktail or mocktail at the same time: Kidslove the non-alcoholic versions just as much as the adults. You can keep this a mocktail for thekidsor non-drinking adults and have a bottle of champagne sitting on ice so that yourguestscan make theirco*cktailsin whatever strength they’d like.
• Make a large batch: If you’re feeding a crowd for the holiday, feel free to double or triple the recipe. Simplymultiplythe ingredients by the number ofgallonsyou want to make. Serve it in a punch bowl for a festive look!

🦃Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

• Cranberry Orange Chicken Meatballs
• Air Fryer Baked Brie
• Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls
• Air Fryer Sausage Balls
• Air Fryer co*cktail Franks
• Instant Pot Steamed Shrimp
• Antipasto Skewers

Main Course & Side Dishes

• Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts
• Thanksgiving Turkey Burgers
• Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
• Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf
• Sous Vide Duck Breast

Dessert

• Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
• Spiced Apple Cider Muffins
• 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies
• Pumpkin Panna Cotta
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

🍊Flavor Variations

• Fresh Fruit: Feel free to add other fruits to the mix likepears, plums, sliced lemon, fresh cranberries, blood orange or grapes.
• Juice: Add a cup of cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, or orange juice to add flavor and additional sweetness.
• Fresh Herbs: Give it a light bold herb flavor by infusing with some rosemary sprigs or fresh thyme sprigs.
• Wine: If you want to make this more like spiced wine, add in some red wine instead of champagne.
• Glass Garnish: If you want an extra decadent touch, rim the glasses with raw or granulated sugar before adding the punch.
• Ginger: The gingerflavoris essential to this recipe. You can use ginger ale, or ginger beer to add flavor.
• Strong Booze (My husband’s pro tip):add a shot or 2 of Jack DanielsHoneyWhisky to your glass for an extra boozy drink. Or add whisky, rum, vodka, or your favorite alcohol to taste.

🦃More Thanksgiving Drink Ideas

What’s the most popular Thanksgiving drink? I can’t choose, so I’ve made other drinks that are just as delicious as this punch! No more wondering what to drink on Thanksgiving. And don’t worry, they can all be made non alcoholic!

• Thanksgiving Margarita
• Thanksgiving Moscow Mule
• Thanksgiving Mimosa
• Thanksgiving Mojito
• and don’t forget Christmas Punch!

❔FAQ