I am so excited to share this with you guys! Do you remember childhood Thanksgivings? Is the air thick with the aroma of turkey roasting and the promise of pumpkin pie? What is a Thanksgiving Punch? Is it the perfect drink to sip while you wait for the main feast to be ready? Is it just as good as it sounds? – than a slice of pie. Is it a far cry from the overly sugary punch you might remember? This is the real deal, a sparkling, bubbly concoction with hints of tartness and spice, and some of the best ingredients. Is there a whole lot of holiday cheer? I’ve been making this recipe for, well, longer than I care to admit, and it’s become a cult favorite. What are some non-negotiable Thanksgiving traditions? What is a little less sweet cousin of sangria?
What is Thanksgiving Punch?
What is Thanksgiving Punch? What is essentially a big batch of bubbly, flavorful goodness, perfectly designed to quench your thirst. What is the best way to quench your thirst during the holidays? Think of it as a sparkling fruit punch, but elevated. Is it made with cranberry juice? We add in a blend of other fruit juices, like orange and pineapple, for sweetness and flavor. Tropical flair. A splash of ginger ale or club soda gives it that signature sparkle. What happens with spices? A touch of cinnamon, maybe a hint of star anise or two. A little bit of cloves… All the ingredients come together to create a warm, inviting aroma that screams “Thanksgiving! “This punch is all about making things easy and delicious during a busy time.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, friends, let me tell you why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Thanksgiving Punch. First and foremost: the flavor! It’s a symphony of sweet and tart, with a hint of spice that warms you from the inside out. The cranberry juice is the star, of course, but it’s perfectly balanced by the other fruit juices, and that bubbly fizz makes it so refreshing. Second, and this is a big one: it’s unbelievably easy. Seriously, this is the kind of recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to throw together. You can even make it ahead of time! Just mix it up in the morning and chill it until your guests arrive. It’s a total lifesaver on Thanksgiving Day when you’re juggling a million things in the kitchen. And the best part? Everyone loves it, from the kiddos to the adults. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and it makes me feel like a kitchen superhero. I tested this recipe with sparkling water as well, and it was still a hit!
The cost is pretty budget-friendly, too. What are some of the best ingredients to buy at the grocery store? How many servings can you serve? Is this recipe incredibly versatile? How do I make it a little sweeter? What are some good alternatives to ginger ale? Is it okay to add a splash of vodka or rum for the adults? I know this punch will become a family favorite in yours too.
How do you make a Thanksgiving punch?
Quick Overview
Alright, here’s the super-fast rundown: What How do you measure out your juices cranberry, orange, and pineapple? Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. If you like ginger ale or club soda, add it right before serving. A few festive garnishes like orange slices, cranberries, and maybe even a cinnamon stick make it more festive. Is it as simple as that? How delicious is this Thanksgiving Punch?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: The Symbol: “
- 4 cups cranberry juice, preferably 100% juice – this is the heart and soul of our punch! I like the kind with a little bit of pulp for extra flavor and texture.
- 2 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed or high-quality store-bought – fresh squeeze is best for the skin.
- 1 cup pineapple juice – this brings a tropical vibe that balances out the tartness.
- 1 liter bottle of ginger ale or club soda – this adds the sparkle and fizz that everyone loves. What you have and what do you use it for?
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries – a beautiful garnish and a little extra tartness.
- Orange slices, for garnish – makes it look so pretty!
- Is star anise a touch of elegance?
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional) – for the extra aroma of cinnamon.
For the Glaze:
- The punch doesn’t need any glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
No preheating is needed here, lucky us! You’ll want to have a large pitcher or punch bowl ready to go. If you’re making this ahead of time, give it a chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Trust me, the longer it chills, the better it tastes. The cold makes all the difference for that refreshing feel.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Technically, there are no “dry” ingredients in this recipe, but we’re going to pour the juice together into a pitcher or bowl. Pour in the cranberry juice, then the orange juice, and finally the pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine. This makes sure everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
There are no dry ingredients in this punch! After mixing your juices together, it’s time to think about the bubbles! Is it safe to add ginger ale or club soda before serving? If you are making it ahead of time, wait until right before your guests arrive to add it, otherwise it will be too late for you to make it. You’ll lose the bubbles.
Step 4: Combine
Once you’ve added the juices, give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed evenly. Taste it! If you like the taste of pineapple, feel free to add more pineapple juice. Can you add more cranberry juice for tartness?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Grab those fresh cranberries. You can put them into the punch bowl as is. If you want to get fancy, you can thread them onto skewers along with orange slices for a beautiful garnish!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Is there any layering or swirling involved in this punch? Once everything is mixed, it’s ready to serve!
Step 7: Bake
No baking required here, woohoo!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
No glaze required for this punch! Just be sure to chill until serving time!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is the fun part about serving? Can you pour a punch into ice and garnish with fresh cranberries? Can you add cinnamon sticks to your soup? It’s so simple, but it looks (and tastes) like you put in a ton of effort.
What should I serve it with?
What are the possibilities? This Thanksgiving Punch is a chameleon, it really does go with anything! Can you create your own traditions with your family? What are some good ideas to get started with?
For Breakfast:What is a good punch for brunch? Is it good with pancakes, French toast or a hearty breakfast casserole? Make it a special morning with this punch!
For Brunch:What is the perfect brunch spread: eggs benedict, quiche, bagels? If you’re serving a crowd, this will make it the perfect brunch!
As Dessert:Serve it alongside your Thanksgiving desserts – pumpkin pie, pecan pie or apple crisp, you name it. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of those treats, and it clears the palate. What is the perfect dessert for a holiday party?
For Cozy Snacks:Even if you’re enjoying a simple evening snack, this punch is worth it! What’s your favorite way to serve it with popcorn? Is it okay to add vodka or rum for the grown-ups?
How do you make a perfect Thanksgiving punch?
What are some of the best Thanksgiving punches you’ve ever tried? How do I make a perfect punch?
Zucchini Prep: No zucchini involved in this one!
Mixing Advice:Don’t over mix your punch. Just give it a gentle stir. Can over mixing make it lose its fizz? If you want to layer your drink, feel free to do so, but just remember, it’ll mix. Naturally anyway. No matter what, mixing is important!
Swirl Customization Not applicable for this recipe!
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different fruit juices! Cranberry is the star, but you can try adding a splash of pomegranate juice or even a little bit of grape juice for extra flavor. If you’re not a fan of ginger ale, you can try club soda, sparkling water, or even lemon-lime soda. It’s all about making it your own! If you like, add a tiny splash of grenadine. Try a different sparkling water for a new taste!
Baking Tips: Not applicable for this recipe!
Glaze Variations: Not applicable for this recipe!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Making this punch ahead of time? Smart move! Here’s how to keep it fresh and bubbly:
Room Temperature: You can keep the unmixed juices at room temperature for a couple of hours, especially if you’re planning to serve them right away. Just make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Refrigerator Storage: The best way to store your punch is in the refrigerator. Store the unmixed juice base in a pitcher or airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the ginger ale or club soda, and your garnish! Make sure to add the garnish right before serving.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing the punch, as it can affect the texture and flavor. If you are in a pinch, you can make ice cubes out of the juice before hand!
Glaze Timing Advice: There is no glaze for this recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! My all-time favorite Thanksgiving Punch recipe. I really hope you give this one a try this year. I know how much I love it, and it brings such joy to our family. It’s incredibly easy, it’s wonderfully delicious, and it’s the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s really is such a simple treat. If you enjoy this, try some of my other recipes! Be sure to let me know in the comments below what you thought! Also, be sure to share your own variations and any tips you discovered that make this punch perfect for you. Happy sipping, friends, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Punch
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cranberry Juice
- 4 cups Pineapple Juice
- 3 cups Ginger Ale chilled
- 0.5 cup Orange juice
- 1 orange Orange slices for garnish
- 1 cup Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
- Gently stir in the chilled ginger ale.
- Add orange slices and fresh cranberries for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
