This Thanksgiving Punch made with apple cider, whiskey, fruit juice, brandy, and soda packs the delicious flavors of fall and winter in one delicious holiday drink recipe!
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic to serve the kids, simply keep the whiskey on the side or make my Crockpot Apple Cider and omit the rum! My Slow Cooker Wassail and Cranberry Apple Cider Punch recipes are also great recipes to try!
Thanksgiving Punch is the drink you never knew you needed when it comes to being around family! Just kidding (sort of). But let’s face it, a cup or two of the good stuff helps the conversation and the good times roll!
When it comes to Thanksgiving Recipes, it’s easy to overlook beverages. But there’s no reason Thanksgiving drinks can’t be a “thing”! And a big bowl of homemade punch is the perfect way to help fill out the feast table. And tastes delicious alongside a slice of Pumpkin Pie!
This punch has now become a Thanksgiving tradition for my family. I first made it last year (2019) and it was a HUGE hit. I will now make it every year. Thank you!
Needless to say, this Thanksgiving Punch recipe is a tasty signature drink to prepare if you’re hosting the big meal. It’s full of winter and fall flavors, plus some cinnamon spice that really packs a punch … get it?!
Thanksgiving Punch Ingredients:
Fireball Whiskey and Apricot brandy spike this punch, then apple cider, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda make it extra fruity and a little sparkly!
For a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch, try this Autumn Punch recipe!
How To Make Thanksgiving Punch:
Step 1: For the best flavor, combine all of the ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Step 2: Refrigerate for several hours (or more).
Step 3: Add the soda and ice just before serving so it’s fresh! Or serve over ice so the punch doesn’t get diluted while sitting in the bowl!
Serving Tips
And don’t forget about the presentation! Go all out with a pretty punch bowl (this is the one I have) or dispenser, festive cups, and holiday-themed straws. And garnish with Candied Citrus, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks!
If you really want to up the “WOW” factor, a few floating citrus slices look beautiful in a clear server.
And have some fun with garnishes: drink picks, candied orange slices, and cranberries always make drinks look extra fancy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?
Obviously, this Thanksgiving Alcoholic Punch isn’t for the kiddos, but they don’t have to be left out. Just make another batch without the hard stuff, and it’ll be (almost) as good! Just add extra soda or ginger ale for them. You could also make a batch of Kinder Punch!
Can I Make This In Advance?
You can combine all of the ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large punch bowl or pitcher and refrigerate overnight. This will let the flavors really build, then add soda and ice just before serving.
What Do People Usually Drink At Thanksgiving Dinner?
I’m guessing most people sit down at the table with a glass of their favorite wine, soda, or water. But I think that a signature drink or punch can really make the holidays extra special. Something unique and tasty that everyone gets to look forward to once a year, and this punch is just that for my family!
What If I Can’t Find Apricot Brandy?
You can use any brandy you want. A plain brandy would be fine but I really love what the fruit-flavored ones bring to the recipe – try apple or ginger or blackberry.
If Sparkling Thanksgiving Punch is a hit on Thanksgiving, make it for Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year, too! The cozy notes of apple, cranberry, and cinnamon make it perfect to enjoy all season long.
In fact, maybe this recipe should be called “Holiday Punch,” instead! But you should definitely try my Christmas Punch, Christmas Sangria, and New Year’s Eve Punch too!
Beer and wine are good for gatherings, but when it comes to celebrations, something special is in order! Thanksgiving Punch is the perfect cocktail to enjoy with friends and family this holiday season, and it’s always a hit.
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes:
Let’s Connect!
If you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review; I love hearing from you! And don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos or join our Busy Family Recipes Facebook Community and share them there!
Thanksgiving Punch
Ingredients
Punch
- 3 cups apple cider
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup Fireball Whiskey
- ½ cup apricot brandy1
- 3 cups lemon-lime soda
- ice
Garnishes
- apple slices
- orange slices
- cranberries
- cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Immediate Serving: Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher.
- For A Stronger Flavor: Combine all ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large punch bowl or pitcher and refrigerate overnight. Add soda and ice just before serving.
Video
Notes
- If you do not have apricot brandy, another fruit brandy like apple or blackberry could be used.
- Make sure to use 100% cranberry juice and not cocktail juice.
- Club soda can be used in place of lemon-lime soda for a less sweet punch.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Comments & Reviews
Kristy says
Very sweet, a little too sweet for my taste and for the others at Thanksgiving dinner unfortunately. If you are a fan of sweeter drinks, this would be great! It does have a little spice from the cinnamon whiskey and it looks beautiful with fruit! Just too sweet.
Rebecca Hubbell says
Hi Rachel, we actually just posted our family-friendly Thanksgiving punch this week, here’s that recipe: https://www.sugarandsoul.co/autumn-punch/ – Alcohol could be served on the side for those that want it.
Rachel says
Is there a way to make this non alcoholic (I am missing that note somewhere?) – seems like a lot of flavors come from the booze but need a family friendly version. Thanks!
Lacy says
For a crowd, I did a bottle of whiskey, a bottle of peach brandy (couldn’t find apricot), a jug of cranberry juice, a jug of apple cider, and a splash of ginger ale. Garnished with apples and oranges. Everyone loved it!
Rebecca Hubbell says
I’m so glad everyone thought it was a hit!
Rebecca Hubbell says
So glad you loved it!
Rene says
We loved this! Everyone at our party asked for the recipe!
Dana says
This is a show-stopper for sure! The autumn flavors come together really nicely and it looks gorgeous.
Stephanie says
I made the non-alcoholic version and it was delicious! I added extra ginger ale to sweeten it up.
Rebecca Hubbell says
You can leave it in to get the ratio right, but the hotter it gets the more carbonation it loses. You could also try my wassail recipe which is meant to be served hot and you can add whiskey or rum to it.
Kylie says
Would you need to omit the soda, or tweak the recipe? We had it cold and it was delicious but want to serve it warm for outdoor event. Thanks!
Rebecca Hubbell says
Yes, I think this would be delicious warm!
Kylie Claire says
Can you make this warm?
Kristen says
This punch has now become a Thanksgiving tradition for my family. I first made it last year and it was a HUGE hit. I will now make it every year. Thank you!
Lori P says
Oh, this sounds SO good. Will have to make it next time my daughter is home.
Lori Padgett says
This punch looks fantastic! Definitely going to try it!
Rebecca Hubbell says
So glad everyone loved it!
Denise Augustine says
This punch was a huge hit at our Thanksgiving celebration. So easy to make and I got so many compliments.
Jean says
Made this last weekend for friendsgiving and it was a huge hit. Love the spicy notes!