Thanksgiving Punch
This Thanksgiving Punch is the best Turkey Day drink recipe to serve your guests! It’s made with apple cider, whiskey, fruit juice, brandy, and soda and 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!
What Do People Drink At Thanksgiving Dinner?
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!
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!
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!
Initially published in 2018 and updated with new photos in 2024, this Thanksgiving Punch Recipe has become a favorite holiday tradition of many and has over 100 5-star reviews!
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!
Rebecca’s Recipe Review
Taste: Fruity with a kick of spice and alcohol.
Texture: Smooth
Ease: 1/10 – It doesn’t get any easier than pouring into a bowl.
Pros: Easy to make and delicious!
Cons: Can have a strong cinnamon flavor for some!
Would I Make This Again? Yes, it’s one of our annual Thanksgiving traditions!
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!
What If I Can’t Find Apricot Brandy?
You can use any brandy you want. A plain brandy would be fine, but I love what the fruit-flavored ones bring to the recipe – try apple, ginger, or blackberry.
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!
Rebecca’s Tips
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.
If you really want to up the “WOW” factor, a few floating citrus and apple slices look beautiful in a clear server.
And have some fun with garnishes: drink picks, candied orange slices (I get mine at Trader Joe’s), cinnamon sticks, and cranberries always make drinks look extra fancy!
Can I Make This A Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch?
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 Punch Recipe 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.
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:
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Thanksgiving Punch
Ingredients
Punch
- 3 cups apple cider
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup Fireball Whiskey
- ½ cup apricot brandy
- 3 cups lemon-lime soda
- ice
Garnishes
- apple slices
- orange slices
- cranberries
- cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Combine 3 cups apple cider, 3 cups cranberry juice, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup Fireball Whiskey, and ½ cup apricot brandy in a large punch bowl or pitcher.
- Top off with 3 cups lemon-lime soda and ice.
- Garnish with apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- To make ahead, combine all ingredients except for the soda and ice in a large punch bowl or pitcher and refrigerate overnight. Add soda, ice, and garnishes 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. I like to use Ocean Spray Pure; this gives it a reddish tone, and others may leave it to look more orange, which is perfectly fine, too!
- Club soda can be used in place of lemon-lime soda for a less sweet punch.
- This recipe post was updated with new photos in 2024, the recipe did not change.
Nutrition
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