Hey y’all! If you’re searching for that perfect festive drink to wow your friends and family at your next get-together, this Thanksgiving Cider Punch is calling your name. Bursting with crisp apple cider, zesty citrus, and warming spices, it’s deliciously cozy for both kids and adults—and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall event, this punch adds instant cheer to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cider Punch
- Suits everyone—serve it as a non-alcoholic punch or add a splash of spiced rum for the adults.
- Prep takes only minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday hosts.
- Packed with warming autumn flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
- Beautiful in a punch bowl with fresh fruit and spice garnishes.
- Feeds a crowd and can be doubled or tripled easily for larger gatherings.
Thanksgiving Cider Punch Ingredients
- 8 cups (2 quarts) apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey for a different sweetness profile)
- 2 cups ginger ale or sparkling water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 apple, cored and sliced (use Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweet crunch)
- Optional: 1 to 1 1/2 cups spiced rum or bourbon (for an adult version)
- Ice, for serving
Directions: How to Make Thanksgiving Cider Punch
Step 1: Infuse the Cider
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Bring to just below a simmer (about 180°F/82°C), then reduce to low and let warm for 10-15 minutes. This infuses the cider with beautiful spice notes. Stir occasionally and do not boil.
Step 2: Assemble the Punch
- Remove from heat. Strain out the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Add the sliced orange and apple to the warm mixture.
- Allow the punch to cool slightly, then transfer to a large punch bowl or pitcher.
- Right before serving, stir in the ginger ale or sparkling water for effervescence.
Step 3: Serve
- Fill glasses with ice, ladle in the Thanksgiving Cider Punch, and garnish with fruit slices or a cinnamon stick.
- For an adult punch, add spiced rum or bourbon to the punch just before serving, or let guests spike their own glasses as desired.
Notes for Perfect Thanksgiving Cider Punch
- For fresher flavor, use fresh-pressed apple cider from your local market, not apple juice.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the punch (minus the ginger ale) a day in advance and refrigerate.
- For more spice, stud an orange with whole cloves and add it to the simmering cider (learn more about making clove-studded oranges).
Thanksgiving Cider Punch Variations
- Spiked Cranberry Cider Punch: Add 1 cup cranberry juice and garnish with fresh cranberries for tangy appeal.
- Mulled Cider Punch: Simmer with star anise, nutmeg, and cardamom for extra warmth.
- Apple-Pomegranate Cider Punch: Swap lemon juice for pomegranate juice and sprinkle in pomegranate arils.
Required Equipment for Thanksgiving Cider Punch
- Large saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Punch bowl or large pitcher
- Long-handled spoon
- Glasses and ice
Thanksgiving Cider Punch Storage Instructions
- Store leftover punch (without ginger ale added) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best fizz, only add sparkling water or ginger ale just before serving.
- Stir well before serving leftovers as separation may occur.
Serving Recommendations for Thanksgiving Cider Punch
- Serve chilled or warm, depending on your preference.
- Pair with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or sharp cheddar cheese for the perfect Thanksgiving feast.
- Add fresh apple, orange slices, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks for a festive look.
Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Cider Punch
- Make it extra pretty with candied citrus peel as garnish.
- Always taste and adjust sweetness—different apple ciders vary in tartness.
- To keep punch colder longer, freeze apple slices or orange slices and use them as decorative ice cubes.
Thanksgiving Cider Punch FAQ
- Can I make Thanksgiving Cider Punch ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the punch without ginger ale, store in the fridge, then add ginger ale right before serving.
- How do I keep the punch warm?
- You can keep the punch warm in a slow cooker on the ‘keep warm’ setting, adding ginger ale just before ladling out.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly?
- Yes! As written, it’s non-alcoholic. Simply leave out the rum or bourbon to keep it suitable for guests of all ages.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cups sparkling apple juice or ginger ale
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
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1In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine apple cider, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
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2Add sliced apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to the mixture.
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3Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
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4Just before serving, stir in sparkling apple juice or ginger ale and add ice as desired.
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5Serve chilled in glasses garnished with additional fruit slices if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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